Growing up in Ghana, Francis Agyakwa witnessed the power of communal drumming rituals firsthand. Now, as a social work researcher, he's investigating how this traditional practice can help people heal from trauma. In this eye-opening talk, Agyakwa explains how drumming can promote increased resilience, energy, creativity, and connection – and why Western scientists should investigate indigenous practices. Francis Agyakwa is a first-generation Ghanaian immigrant, the father of two amazing boys, and an Adjunct Professor at the University of Denver, Graduate School of Social Work. As a Trauma-Informed Specialist and certified Compassion Fatigue Trainer, he’s held various positions in child welfare, including nine years at the Denver Department of Human Services. His research-based therapeutic program, “Drumming Out Stress,” is deeply rooted in the traditional Ghanaian belief system. He is joined on stage by Aimee Alcorn, Bethany Kammerer, Dawn Crosswhite, Marco DiFerreira, and Marnesia Bryant. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

ALG advocates for the entire African Immigrant Community – across national origin, tribes, and language – to ensure continuous improvement to immigrants’ quality of life. Since its inception, ALG has organized multiple community events, engagements, and discussions with programs focused on key issues, such as education, career and job opportunities, Business Development, Immigration, Political and Community involvement, and many other activities regularly reaching thousands of individuals in the local community.

ALG advocates for the entire African Immigrant Community – across national origin, tribes, and language – to ensure continuous improvement to immigrants’ quality of life. Since its inception, ALG has organized multiple community events, engagements, and discussions with programs focused on key issues, such as education, career and job opportunities, Business Development, Immigration, Political and Community involvement, and many other activities regularly reaching thousands of individuals in the local community.

In this short video, hear directly from parents and professionals about how this free resource is educating and empowering them with trauma-informed, culturally-relevant, and flexible training and tools.

Founder, Francis Agyakwa, MSW