North Carolina Central University (NCCU) launched a new Hip-Hop initiative today (Feb. 9), which aims to provide opportunities to at risk males and prepare students academically as they transition into their professional careers.
The new program has four components: a class called “Hip-Hop in Context”
taught by 9th Wonder and Christopher “Play” Martin, a lecture series, a Hip-Hop Summit scheduled for today and tomorrow (Feb. 10), and a continuing education courses through efforts like the student-run Eagle Records.
The two-day event (Feb. 9 – 10) serves to introduce the new initiative, which is directed by Kawachi Clemons, coordinator of NSSU’s music industry program.
“The position of Hip-Hop in academia has grown in recent years,” said Chancellor James H. Ammons. “Undeniably, Hip-Hop is one of the strongest tools by which we can reach a segment of our youth and demonstrate the ideals stated in our mission. The mission of North Carolina Central University is to prepare students academically and professionally to become leaders prepared to advance the consciousness of social responsibility in a diverse, global society.”
The summit, now in its second year, features a number of Hip-Hop notables, including panelists from MTV, Sirius Satellite Radio, Essence Magazine, AllHipHop.com and many more.
According to organizers, the summit will assess the state of Hip-Hop in the African American community and give college students an insight on how to break into the entertainment industry.
Topics include “Men and Women: The Fight for Power in the Music Industry,” “Online Media: the wave of the future,” “Parents Just Don’t Understand,” “So You Want to be in Media: Radio, TV and Print,” and other educational sessions.
The two-day event also features a Hip-Hop film festival, seminars to enhance curricular development for primary and secondary teachers and an old school Hip-Hop concert featuring MC Lyte, Doug E. Fresh and Dana Dane.
The initiative also features a news course in Hip-Hop history being taught by recording stars and producers 9th Wonder, and Christopher “Play” Martin from the Hip-Hop duo Kid ‘n Play.
“I believe that with making students and faculty alike aware of the true history and relevance of the Hip-Hop culture will assist in closing the gap between the two generations, thus creating a better understanding of what makes both generations “tick” musically,” said 9th Wonder.
“This initiative is the best thing I could be committed to for the positive preservation and advancement of a culture that was used to detoured me from a very early grave,” Martin said.
NCCU Students, Faculty and Staff receive free admission with an NCCU ID.
Onsite registration fee is $15.00 per person.
