The Sixers Stixers is one of the city’s most recognizable drumlines and is known for hyping up the crowd before, during, and after each Philadelphia 76ers home game, writes Wakisha Bailey for CBS News Philadelphia.
As the director of the group, Antoine Mapp is its heart and soul.
For 33 years, he has been on a mission to change the lives of young people and drumming has helped him do so.
In his words, Mapp is “putting drumsticks in people’s hands so they won’t put guns in them.”
Mapp gained a source of inspiration from his late grandmother, Elsie Wise, who spoke to four teenage girls who needed guidance.
Growing up, Mapp wasn’t too far from falling down that same path.
As part of an effort to keep the city’s youth safe and out of trouble, Wise created the West Powelton Steppers and Drum Squad.
In 2012, the group came face-to-face with the Philadelphia Eagles Drumline and a year later, the Sixers made them the team’s official drumline.
“For 23 years, there was no money ever being generated. Once I signed with the Sixers it changed my life. To the point I’m able to change their lives,” Mapp said.
Read more about the Sixers Stixers in CBS News Philadelphia.
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Editor’s Note: This post first appeared on PHILADELPHIA Today in August 2024.
