Few events showcase the diversity of the District more than the weekly drum circle in Malcolm X/Meridian Hill Park. Many colorful figures grace this scene, but few stand out more than Thomas House, the drum circle’s de facto dance master.

At about 4:15 p.m., a group of about 20 drummers and musicians were parading down the middle of 13th Street NW in Columbia Heights, playing their instruments and headed south to the African American Civil War Memorial at 10th and U Streets NW. The group brought along a wheeled cart with drums and other instruments on it. People in the parade said they were with the Rhythm Workers Union, a local activist group which…