Hip-Hop Literacy Project: Local pioneers delve into local history
This week, three decades of hip-hip culture was explored at Wealthy Theatre, as part of a series of events. The discussion included conversation around origins, impact, and legacy of the culture.
Wealthy Theatre, with support from the Wege Foundation, launched the “Hip-Hop Literacy Project” this week. The kickoff event featured pioneers of Grand Rapids hip-hop culture, engaging in a two hour panel discussion about the origins and history of the local hip-hop scene.
Moderator Jonathan Jelks led a wide-ranging discussion about the impacts of hip-hop culture over the decades: panelists, each of whom played a significant role in the origins of local hip-hop culture, gave examples of how the art form has been empowering, even life-saving.
Last night’s “History of Grand Rapids Hip-Hop” event at Wealthy Theatre included the following panelists: Tony Tate (original GR hip-hop dancer); Chris Cross (aka IROCC); Atricia Banks (founder, Run Girl Run); Robert S. (Kent Co. Commissioner, GR hip-hop legend); and Victor Williams (founder, GR Hip-Hop Coalition). “Digital panelist” John Trice (aka Iceman J) took part by phone, because he’s finishing his degree and studying nonstop for final exams.
The Hip-Hop Literacy Project is a year-long initiative at Wealthy Theatre that coincides with the 30th anniversary of hip-hop culture: the project takes a look at the art form’s past, present and future.
The next phase of the Hip-Hop Literacy Project begins in February, with the first in series of intensive workshops for local youth. The workshops provide an opportunity for students to learn about hip-hip culture in a historical context. Each weekend workshop will focus on a different era, beginning with Native Tongues (Zulu Nation, Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, and many more.)
Each workshop will culminate with a “graduation” performance in front of a live audience, in Wealthy Theatre’s Peter Wege Auditorium. Students will receive their own limited-edition microphone, and a professional recording of their graduation performance. The first workshop takes place the weekend of Feb. 25.
The Hip-Hop Literacy Project is made possible by a programming grant from the Wege Institute. Project partners include: Grand Rapids Hip-Hop Coalition, Wealthy Theatre, The Love Movement, Community Media Center (CMC), ArtPeers, and The Brown Institute: Foundation for Community Excellence.
