Why Hip Hop?
The story of Hip Hop is one that has not always been told. It is an important story of resistance, tradition, community, and identity, empowering black and brown voices. Its journey from the Griot storytellers of West Africa to the streets of the South Bronx, tells the lineage of black culture that has been redistributed worldwide. The narrative of the culture has changed but in its purest form Hip Hop is a natural language for those without power allowing them to express their identities, unify their community, and have a voice.
The origins of Hip Hop culture brought people together around the common interests of djing, breakin', graffiti writing, and rapping. The practitioners of these elements formed a community based on the principles of peace, love, unity, and having safe fun. Cultivating Hip Hop with young people is not only a powerful way to build community but it is a socially relevant approach to a responsive classroom.
Hip Hop Engagements
Hip Hop in your school
Hip Hop Building Blocks brings students on an experiential journey through Hip Hop by having them become active participants in the culture. The combination of history, celebration, and active engagement promotes meaningful learning in a culturally relevant way. Please see the different approaches below.
Assemblies
This school-wide event examines the origins of the culture and the history of the elements. Through videos, discussion, and performance we immerse the group in the elements of Hip Hop in a way that is informative, accessible, and fun.
Workshops
Workshops give students the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Hip Hop culture by engaging with the elements. Guided by practitioners of Hip Hop, students will be able to try scratching on turntables, writing and performing raps, creating graffiti murals, and learning some breakin' moves, all in the spirit of self expression and having fun. The community comes together as all the elements are represented and practiced simultaneously creating an unforgettable event!
Residencies
For an even more immersive experience, students will work with Hip Hop professionals over a period of time to learn specific skills and develop a performance routine. They then showcase their learning at the end of the residency in a school-wide assembly.
Curriculum Writing & Professional Development
Through in-person and virtual events we work with teachers to design/redesign curriculum in order to provide young people with culturally rich learning experiences across subject area. We also provide trainings and professional development that anchor hip-hop culture and its philosophies in improving learning and leadership
Some examples of work with teachers include:
-Curating Hip Hop libraries
-Building class routines
-Design lesson plans
-Provide resources
-Develope background knowledge of Hip Hop culture
The Hip Hop Pedagogy Interview
Listen to my interview on the Powerful Pedagogy Podcast, a conversational educator podcast that explores the shifts and changes we have experienced in our field since 2020.