When a 6’5″ man with long dreadlocks and a booming, (if not imposing voice) comes into the room, everyone stops to listen. Some of the students at Garfield Terrace call him ‘African Man’, others say, ‘The Big Man with the drums is coming!’ Whatever the moniker, Baba Ras D commands the attention of those around him.

Baba Ras D considers himself a cultural ambassador, introducing the world of the arts to kids who have faced seemingly insurmountable challenges.

Gabe was confident Baba Ras D would be a perfect fit for Guerilla Arts, and knew exactly where he could make a contribution. Incorporating movement and song into his lesson plans, Baba Ras D is part of Gabe’s Rites of Passage program, teaching children confidence and character through his drum beat.

Here, at Garfield Terrace, he lets student Ayanna flex her muscles as a percussionist.