Hip-Hop Communiversity Fall/Winter Class Schedule

Graphmatix: Urban Art Workshop

Mondays 4pm – 6pm (Starts Monday Oct. 12^th)
Instructor: Kenyatto Amen

This course demonstrates how urban hip-hop art including the use of color and perspective can inspire inner self expression and critical thinking.  From heiroglyphics to graffiti, the class will explore the use of images to communicate.  Participants will learn about the origins of Hip-Hop visual art and create their own alphabet and art portfolio. Ages 7+

Joined At The Hip-Hop Theater

Mondays 4:30 – 6pm (Starts Monday Oct. 19th)

Instructor:  Angel Mitchell

The Joined At The Hip-Hop Theatre workshop introduces youth to basics of  performance theatre. Group members build self awareness, improve verbal and non-verbal communication skills and experience positive self realization through expressive arts.

Science of Flow/Art of Emceeing

Tuesdays (Topic) &  Fridays (Freestyle) – 4pm – 6pm  (Starts Oct. 13^th)

Instructors: Shamako Noble & Korvus Blackbird

Science of Flow is a creative communication class where youth study and learn the art, science and techniques of emcee-ing.  Participants gain valuable insight on learning to create, write and perform hip-hop and spoken word starting with basic flowing and self expression to composing structured songs.  The purpose of the workshop is to help young people recognize the need for and develop the skills to be effective communicators in all settings. The workshop explores the importance of reading to lyrical content development; oral presentation skills; the value of mastering spoken and written language; and the cultural significance of hip-Hop music in general and emceeing in specific. Youth are transitioned from being passive consumers to active analyzers and producers of content.

SistazSpeak: Poetry & Spoken Word Workshop

Tuesdays 4pm – 6pm (Starts Oct. 13^th)

Instructor: Nicquitta “Khmet” Brooks

SistazSpeak is a poetry and spoken word workshop focused on giving young women an opportunity to discover and share the beauty within and express themselves creatively through writing and performing poetry and spoken word.  Participants will explore inspirational materials and then create their own. A great release and pick-me-up for young women who may be stressed from life issues. Participants will also have opportunities to perform and be introduced to other personal development resources.

Recording Studio 101

Tuesdays & Thursday 4pm – 6pm (Starts Oct. 13^th)

Instructors: Ryan “RC” Croone & M. Famous

Recording Studio 101 teaches the basics of beat-making, song structure, sampling, engineering (digital recording music & vocals) including digital recording equipment and software (Pro Tools & Digital Performer).  Students also learn the ropes of setting up your studio on a budget, studio management and selling beats.

Business & Entrepreneurship

Wednesdays 4pm – 6pm (Starts Oct. 14^th)

Instructors: Wyking & Cochise

This class is seeks to help youth start their own business and turn passion into profit.  Teaching them the business world, how to work around it as well as work with it. Participants are introduced to the fundamentals of launching and managing a micro-enterprise/small business.  Topics covered include research and product development, business planning, marketing, communication, administration, operations and sales.  Participants are also introduced to the concept of “triple-bottom-line” and have the opportunity to receive up to $1,000 of seed capital for a business idea that has a social benefit.

Hip-Hop Debate, Civics & Politics

Thursday’s 4:30-5:30 (Starts Oct. 15^th)

Instructors: Jason & Shamako

Hip-Hop Debate, Civics & Politics combines Hip Hop with formal debate instruction to teach valuable academic and life skills.  Fun and stimulating hands-on debate activities connect to students’ interests and foster critical thinking, research skills, reading comprehension, writing proficiency, public speaking, media literacy, conflict resolution and civic advocacy skill sets.  Youth learn how to use Hip Hop and their creative talents to create dynamic speeches and arguments to use in both public debates and to win competitive debate rounds.

Seattle Hip-Hop Summit Youth Council

Thursdays 5:30 – 7pm (Starts Oct. 15^th)

Instructors: Cochise & Wyking

The Youth council is how youth participate in governing the Hip-Hop Communiversity, plan events, activities, etc. providing experience in the area of organizational development and management. The Seattle Hip Hop Summit Action Network Youth Council (SHSANYC) was established in 2002 as a vehicle for youth empowerment and leadership development in Seattle area following the first Seattle Hip-Hop Summit. SHSANYC is the northwest affiliate of the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network founded by Russell Simmons and Benjamin Chavis in 2001. HSAN is the largest non-profit, national coalition of hip-hop artists, entertainment industry leaders, education advocates, civil rights proponents, and youth leaders united in the belief that Hip-Hop is an enormously influential agent for positive social change which must be responsibly and proactively utilized to fight the war on poverty and injustice. www.seattlehiphopsummit.org.

Raise The Bar Hip-Hop Fitness Club & Thoroughbreds Boxing

Saturdays 11am – 12pm  (Starts Oct. 17^th)

Instructor (Kenyatto Amen & Wyking)

The Raise The Bar Hip-Hop Fitness Club was created to promote healthy lifestyle choices to young adults influenced by hip-hop music and culture.  This project uses Hip-Hop music and popular culture as an effective platform to explore and promote optimal health choices to high-risk, hard to serve youth. The Bar-Tendaz program is an innovative fitness initiative based on kinesthetic aerobics in the pursuit of healthy living.  With an original style and delivery the Bar-Tendaz are revolutionizing the fitness industry. The unique inspirational presentation and original physical fitness program is guaranteed to motivate youth to take an active role in their well being.

Music Business & Artist Development (TBA)

The Music Business & Artist Development workshop focuses on providing support to aspiring artists in developing recording and performing skills while teaching about the business of music. Find out how to set up your publishing company and how to properly file for copyrights. Discover what it takes to trademark a name, logo, or design, how to get paid shows, network for success and more.

Video Production (TBA)

It’s time to bring your stories to life in motion picture! This video production course focuses on learning the basics of video production, including camera work, lighting, sound, & editing. Works will be showcased on UPC-TV and a DVD will be put together showcasing the skills of the class.

DJ 101 (TBA)

DJ 101 teaches everything you need to know about manual and digital turntables and how to use them with precision. From basic blending to scratching, you will discover the techniques needed in order to rock parties and concerts!  Whether you want to be a club/party dj, battle dj or just develop a new hobby.

Fashion Design & Merchandising 101 (TBA)

In Fashion Design & Merchandising 101 participants are introduced to the fashion and merchandising industry including design, sourcing, manufacturing, retail and wholesale distribution.  Participants learn about educational and career paths in the fashion industry and gain hands on experience designing and marketing clothing and producing fashion shows.  Students also learn basic modeling techniques and runway choreography, perform standard backstage clothing management and perform in a fashion show.  Students learn about small business entrepreneurship through engagement with clothing designers and retailers and other industry professionals.

About the Hip-Hop CommUniversity

The Hip-Hop Communiversity was started by a group of youth and supporters who felt like sitting around just talking about the school system wasn’t enough.  So they started a school!   The goal of the project is to coordinate culturally enriching entrepreneurial based activities that address social and community development using technology as a bridge to future employment.  The program is hosted at the UmojaFest P.E.A.C.E. Center in central Seattle.

Reflections from Hip-Hop Communiversity Summer 2009 inaugural class & faculty…

DJ 101 w/ DJ Kuhnex instructing the cuts…

Fashion 101 w/Jaize…

Mic check w/M. Famous

Life Enrichment Group Young Queens in the building

Reading script w/ our Drama Queen Angel

Seattle Hip-Hop Communiversity Fall 2009

Malcolm X Day Celebration @ UmojaFest P.E.A.C.E. Center

Malcolm X Day Celebration Flyer

 Malcom X Day Hip-Hop Conference & Music Fest Sunday, May 17, 2009

In celebration of Malcolm X Day, the UmojaFest P.E.A.C.E. Center will be hosting the “Malcolm X Day Hip-Hop Conference & Music Fest” on Sunday, May 17, 2009 at the UPC (located on 24th & Spring). Workshops based on the philosophies of the late human rights leader Malcolm X will begin at 10:00am and go until 1:00pm with special guest, former congresswoman and 2008 Green Party presidential candidate Cynthia McKinney giving the keynote address. Shamako Noble (Hip-Hop Congress), Maineak B (Stahi Bros.), De.ale of DMS, Young Fast, Thee Satisfaction, Jus Moni, Delton Son, Larue, Yirim Seck, Black Stax (Silent Lambs & Felicia Loud) will be performing live.

Please come join us, celebrate, and help serve our community! As a completely voluntary organization, we accept any form of donations be it in the form of money, supplies, or volunteer service. Your involvement and dedication is vitalfor community self-sufficiency. For more information, please visit: www.UmojaFestPeaceCenter.com

Workshops based on the philosophies of the late human rights leader Malcolm X will begin at 10:00am – 1:00pm with special guest, former congresswoman and 2008 Green Party presidential candidate Cynthia McKinney to give keynote address.

Live performances to follow at 1:30pm – 7:00pm

Confirmed Performers:

Shamako Noble (Hip-Hop Congress)
Maineak B (Stahi Bros.)
Young Fast (Penny Pinching Records)
Dee.aLe of DMS
Kalligraphy
Larue
Wojack
Thee Satisfaction
Black Stax
Dirty O – (Tha Reason Records)
Jus Moni
Ouwar Arunga
Yirim Seck
Angel Mitchell
Delton’s Son
Ampfire
Ancient Robot
Razpy and The Vigilantes

There will also be tables for community organizations and vendors.

For information on how to get a table for this event, please contact Wyking at 206-941-2527 or by email at wyking@gmail.com

1ST ANNUAL SPRING HIP-HOP FEST @ UMOJAFEST P.E.A.C.E. CENTER BRINGS HIP-HOP TO THE BLOCK FOR GREEN

Approximately 150 people turned out for the day long hybrid hip hop fest, community rally/summit which promises to be the first of many at the UmojaFest P.E.A.C.E. Center, a new youth focused cultural center in the heart of Seattle’s Central District.  The day’s activities kicked off with Green Organizers Mixer & Brunch attended by representatives of over 15 organizations doing work around sustainable living, environmental stewardship and green jobs.

The outdoor show featured opened with acapella and spoken word performances by hip hop soul wordsmiths Jamil Suleman, KHMET, Korvus Blackbird followed by M. Famous setting off the hip-hop. Highlights included area natives Suntonio Bandanaz and Yirim Seck both who grew up within two blocks of the center located at 24^th & Spring in the Central District.  Razpy and his Vigilantes took it to another level with live band followed by an unannounced but firewater set by bay area native and Hip-Hop Congress Executive Director Shamako Noble.  Other special guest appearances by LaRue, Rajnii Eddins freestyling a whole song over the Mtume Juicy beat, Sean Good and Young Sic.  Music was provided by Zecheriah The Barber (All City Chop/Mint Factory Clothing) and DJ Kuhnex.

Participating organizations included Mothers Outreach Movement, Hip-Hop Congress, Life Enrichment Group, Got Green, African American Longshoreman Coalition, Seattle Pea Patch, Sustainable South & Central District, Association for Africentric Development, Nation of Gods & Earths, Bikery, Really Free Market, BikeWorks, Pursuit of A Green Planet, King County Department of Health, Community Coalition for Environmental Justice, African American Clergy and others.

The next event  at the UmojaFest P.E.A.C.E. Center will be the Malcom X Day Hip-Hop Fest  scheduled for  Sunday, May 17^th. The event will feature workshops based on the philosophies of the late human rights leader Malcolm X, live performances and a keynote speech by former congresswoman and 2008 Green Party presidential candidate Cynthia McKinney who will be in Seattle to participate. For more information contact Wyking@gmail.com or 206.941.2527.

For more information on the Green Light Initiative for Eco Justice & Equity contact Amber Croyle at green@umojafestpeacecenter.com.

 

 

Seattle/NW Hip-Hop Leadership Conference a success!

Approximately 200 people came out from across the greater Seattle Area to participate in the 1^st Seattle/NW Hip-Hop Leadership Council on Saturday February 28^th at Seattle Central Community College.

 

Presented by the Seattle Hip-Hop Summit Youth Council, Bush School Diversity Speaker Series, UmojaFest P.E.A.C.E. Center and Seattle Central Community College Black Student Union, the conference provided a wealth of information beginning with history and socio-cultural analysis related to the hip-hop generation in workshops like Hip-Hop 101 presented by Suntonio Bandanas of Alpha-P and Seattle hip-hop pioneer Silver Shadow D and  “The N- Word” presented by Dr. Eddie Moore Jr. co-convener of the conference.

 

Women In Hip-Hop was a power packed panel with lively discussion facilitated by Rahwa of Hidmo.  The panel featured artist/educators/organizers Toni Hill, Khmet,  Moni Tep, Monika Matthews Exective Director of the Nia Center and Life Enrichment Group, student Caela Palmer and fashion mainstay FirstLady Beunique of Presidential Clothing/Beunique Agency. 

 

The Hip-Hop, Politics & Community focused on how the energy of hip-hop can be focused on practical community development projects like the developing Hip-Hop themed UmojaFest P.E.A.C.E. Center in the central district and bringing justice to the African American Heritage Museum & Cultural Center as well as other hot issues such as school closures and the proposal to build a new jail in Seattle.  Other related panels included Hip-Hop & Green Economy as well as panels promoting Youth Activism and Social Entrepreneurship presented by Youth Venture.

 

The conference also provided a forum for practical information regarding the business of hip-hop in sessions including “Getting Your Business Tight” which featured music executive Ricardo Frazier, acclaimed producer Robert Redwine and Meli Darby of Obese Productions addressed getting into the business, how to get booked on shows, the new playing field and revenue models and the ever growing role of technology in shaping the future of the music industry.

 

The popular “Fashion Biz 101” presentation by Cassius of Triple Crown Boutique (formerly Laced Up) providing an insider’s perspective on how to break in to the fashion industry by either opening your own retail store, starting your own line or becoming a buyer.

 

From The Hood To The Club: Violence in Hip-Hop & The Black Community was a packed session and featured a panel of people hands on with the issue including DJ Kun Luv Salisbury who recently launched the Thou Shalt Not Kill/Break The Silence campaign, Gregory Lewis a security consultant specializing in night clubs, Omari Tahir-Garrett who founded the African American Heritage Museum & Cultural Center providing historical analysis of the problems.  The information was flowing and the audience was engaged as issues were being dug into, the conclusion is that there was not enough time. Look for a follow up event on this pressing topic real soon.

 

The keynote presentation by Dr. Sujan “Supreme Understanding” Dass was definitely worth the wait addressing the root causes of violence, solutions that don’t work and those that do.  Using powerful images he illustrated and provoked thought and discussion about the root societal inequalities that cause the hopelessness that leads to lack of value of life and resulting violence plaguing our communities.

 

Many collaboration opportunities and partnerships were born out of the conference including the Seattle/NW Hip-Hop Leadership Council which will continue to produce regular events and activities.   The next event will be a follow up to From The Hood To The Club: Violence in Hip-Hop & The Black Community. 

 

For more information on follow up events contact Wyking at 206.941.2527 or email wyking@gmail.com.

 

Support was also provided by Starbucks, Green River Community College, Seaspot Media Group and Hip-Hop Congress and 206Zulu.

 

Updated Info – Seattle/NW Hip-Hop Leadership Conference

Seattle/NW Hip-Hop Leadership Conference – Saturday Feb. 28th @ Seattle Central Community College.

 

 

NW Hip-Hop Leadership Conference: 2008-09 DIVERSITY SPEAKER SERIES
 

Dr. Sujan “Supreme Understanding” Dass author of How To Hustle & Win: A Survival Guide for the Ghetto will be back in Seattle to give the keynote addressing the topic of “Violence in the Black Community & Hip Hop: Root Causes and Real Solutions.”

For more info on other workshops and schedule please see below.

 

-FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC-

 

  

NW Hip-Hop Leadership Conference: 2008-09 DIVERSITY SPEAKER SERIES

  

The NW Hip-Hop Leadership Conference (NWHLC) is Saturday February 28, 2009 at SCCC (9a-6:30p). The theme is POSITIVE CHANGE, OWNERSHIP and ACCOUNTABILITY.   

  

The keynote speaker is Dr. Sujan “Supreme Understanding” Dass (www.hustleandwin.com ). The NWHLC is part of the DSS in collaboration with the Seattle Hip-Hop Summit Action Network Youth Council and the United For Youth Coalition. Please send questions/suggestions to eddie.moorejr@bush.edu or wyking@gmail.vom. There is limited space/seating!! 

  

-FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC- 

SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE 

8:30-9:30a                               Registration/Continental Breakfast Networking 

9-9:45a                                    Spoken Word/MC Battle  

9:45-11a                                  Panels/Workshop Sessions 1  

11:15a-12:30p                         Panels/Workshop Sessions 2  

12:30-1:45p                             Lunch on Your Own 

1:45-3p                                    Panels/Workshop Sessions 3 

3:15-4:30p                               Panels/Workshop Sessions 4 

4:45-5:45p                               Closing Plenary Speaker (Cap. 300) 

5:45-6:30p                               B/Boy Showcase featuring the Massive Monkees and  B/Boy Thesis 

6:30-7:30p                                Networking and Book Signing 

Workshops/Panel Discussions 

9:45-11a 

SCCC RM 3212 (72)               Hip-Hop  101 (w)  

SCCC RM 4122 (30)               Civic Engagement& Youth Activism (w) 

SCCC RM 4106 (100)             Getting Your Business Tight (p) 

SCCC RM 4123 (30)               Youth Ventures and Hip-Hop (w) 

11:15a-12:30p 

SCCC RM 3212 (72)               Women In Hip-Hop (p) 

SCCC RM 4122 (30)               Hip-Hop in the Classroom (w) 

SCCC RM 4106 (100)             Producers (p) 

SCCC RM 4123 (30)               Careers In Hip-Hop (p) 

1:45-3p 

SCCC RM 3212 (72)               The “N” Word (w) 

SCCC RM 4122 (30)               Health & Wellness (w) 

SCCC RM 4106 (100)             Hip-Hop, Politics & Community (p) 

SCCC RM 4123 (30)               Hip Hop & The New Face of Racism (w) 

3:15-4:30p 

SCCC RM 3212 (72)               Hip-Hop & Green Movement/Economy (p) 

SCCC RM 4122 (30)               Fashion Biz 101 (w) 

SCCC RM 4106 (100)             From The Hood To the Club: Violence & Hip-Hop (p) 

SCCC RM 4123 (30)                

 

Keynote Speaker 

  

Dr. Sujan “Supreme Understanding” Dass is a community activist and expert on what we call “the struggle.” A lifelong resident of America’s ghettoes, the author has been involved in the rap game, the drug game, the street hustle game, the pimping game, before advancing the many “legit” games most hustlers never learn. The author has amassed a number of academic degrees to supplement the “hands-on” learning mentioned above, ranging from a Bachelor’s degree in History to a Doctorate in Education with at-risk youth. He has also traveled the globe, researching, organizing, and conducting lectures, workshops, and motivational speeches. His travels have brought him to hundreds of cities across the U.S., as well as international locations in Ghana, India, Mexico, Eastern and Western Europe, the Caribbean, Thailand, and Japan. Supreme Understanding’s ability to combine intellectual awareness, with insight from the “real world” of America’s ghettoes, has made him a staunch critic of the many failed measures to reach our urban youth. After studying the weaknesses of dozens of programs, policies, and philosophies, the author realized something else was needed. 

  

Through a combination of book knowledge and street wisdom, the author arrived at a set of guidelines any man could use to survive and achieve true success in an environment that normally rewards no one. By infusing these lessons into commentaries and tales that would appeal to the mind of the urban reader (and non-reader), How to Hustle and Win represents the guide to these principles. 

 

 

Session Details:
P = panel discussion

w = workshop/presentation 

 

Hip-Hop 101: Intro To Hip-Hop(w)  

n  Silver Shadow D – Shadow Music/206Zulu

n  Asun aka Suntonio Bandannas – Alpha P/206Zulu  

 

Hip-Hop The New Face of Racism (w)  

n  Fred Davis 

 

The “N” Word (w)  

n  Dr. Eddie Moore, Jr.

 

Civic Engagement & Youth Action (w)  

n  Alexandra Davis

 

Hip-Hop In The Classroom (w)  
“From Machiavelli to Makavelli: Tupacs Reading of the Print”  

n  Georgia Roberts 

 

Fashion Industry 101: Business & career opportunities in the fashion industry (w) 

n  Ralph “Cassius” Belair – Triple Crown Streetwear Boutique 

 

Women in Hip-Hop (p)  

n  Rahwa, Hidmo (Moderator)

n  Moni Tep, Communities Against Rape & Abuse

n  Nicquitta “Khmet” Brooks, Managing Editor ,Hip-Hop Nation News

n  Geneiva Arunga, Seattle Hip-Hop Youth Council/UmojaFest P.E.A.C.E. Center

n  Gloria “Glow” Medina – Independent Artist

n  Monika Matthews, Exec Director, Nia Center/Life Enrichment Group

n  Caela Palmer, Life Enrichment Group

n  Toni Hill, Artist

 

Getting Your Business Tight (p)  

n  Lakeith “Ghetto Prez” Asphy – Seasick Graphics & Promotions/Block Teamsters Union, Presidential Limo & Clothing

n  Robert Redwine – Winetime Enterprises

n  Meli Darby – National Talent Booker, Nectar, Talent Booker Obese Productions

n  Gordon Kurvey – Founder, Music Inner City

n  Ricardo Frazier – MeMusic

 

Careers In Hip-Hop (p)  

n  Chukundi Salisbury, Technology Entrepreneur

n  LaKeith “Ghetto Prez” Asphy

n  Meli Darby – Obese Productions

n  Ricardo Frazier – MeMusic

n  Keith Tucker, The Keith Tucker Show, Pursuit of Green Planet

n  1^st Lady Beunique – Beunique Agency/Presidential Clothing

 

Hip-Hop, Politics & The Community (p)  

n  Cochise Moore- Director of Operations, Seattle Hip-Hop Youth Council

n  Robert Redwine, Wintime Entertainment

n  Rawha – Hidmo

n  Greg Jackson – 21^st Century Fitness/206Zulu

n  King Khazm – 206Zulu

n  Preston Perry, UmojaFest P.E.A.C.E. Center

n  Merciful Allah, Feed The Body Teach The Soul

 

From The Hood To The Club:  Violence In Hip-Hop (group discussion)  

n  Chukundi Salisbury, Seaspot Media Group/Break The Violence Campaign

n  Greg Lewis, 21^st Century Martial Arts

n  Rene Busch, Braids 4 Dayz

n  Rob Ross, Penny Pinching Records

n  Ted Evans, Black Prisoners Caucus/Village of Hope

n  Omari Tahir, African American Heritage Museum & Cultural Center

 
  

 Hip-Hop & Green Movement

 

n  Amber Kroyle, Green Light Initiative

n  Stacy Noland, Moontown Foundation

  

Producers Panel

 

n  Robert Redwine, Winetime Entertainment

n  Sirtifyed – Petey’s Playhouse Productions

n  RC – Cideways Productions

 

Seattle/NW Hip-Hop Leadership Conference:

Seattle/NW Hip-Hop Leadership Conference:
2008-09 DIVERSITY SPEAKER SERIES

February 28, 2009 at Seattle Central Community College

Our theme: POSITIVE CHANGE, OWNERSHIP and ACCOUNTABILITY. 
 
The keynote speaker is Dr. Sujan “Supreme Understanding” Dass (www.hustleandwin.com ). His topic (book title) is How To Hustle And Win: A Survival Guide for the Ghetto. The NWHLC is part of the Bush School’s Diversity Speaker Series (DSS) in collaboration with the Seattle Hip-Hop Summit Action Network Youth Council and the United For Youth Coalition.
 
The NWHLC serves as a yearly opportunity to examine and explore issues related to hip-hop like sustainability, accountability, global citizenship, leadership, ownership, privilege, diversity, social justice, race/racism, sexual orientation, gender, and getting paid in a multicultural 21st century America. This conference fits in perfectly with many of the issues that you fight for every day. The workshop/panel themes/titles include, but are not limited to:
Hip-Hop 101: An Intro To Hip-Hop (w)
Hip Hop and the New Face of Racism, (w)
Civic Engagement and Youth Activism (w)
Women in Hip-Hop (p)
Getting Your Business Tight (p)
Careers In Hip-Hop (w)
Hip-Hop, Politics & The Community (w)
Producers (p)
Violence In Hip-Hop (p)
Technology & Hip-Hop (w)
Hip-Hop In The Classroom (w)
Health & Wellness for the Hip-Hop Generation (w)
The “N” Word and Hip-Hop (w)
Radio and DJ (p)
Who Owns Hip-Hop (p)
 
Do you  have workshop ideas? Are you willing/able to be a sponsor? Please send any questions or suggestions to eddie.moorejr@bush.edu or wyking@gmail.vom. Please spread the word and remember, we have limited space available so RSVP ASAP!!
 
About the Bush School
The Bush School, in the Madison Valley neighborhood of Seattle, enrolls about 580 boys and girls in Kindergarten through Twelfth Grade. We balance a challenging academic program with experiential learning, service opportunities, and a wide variety of arts and athletics. The Bush School gives students the skills, knowledge, and experiences needed to succeed in school and in life, while making a positive impact on the world. Over the past four years, The DSS has welcomed many nationally/internationally recognized speakers to engage the Bush community, and the greater Seattle area in conversations about diversity, privilege, leadership and oppression.
 
For more information about The Bush School’s Diversity Speaker Series, please visit www.bush.edu/diversity. For reservations or if you have any questions, please call Dr. Eddie Moore, Jr., Director of Diversity, at 206-326-7731 or eddie.moorejr@bush.edu.
 
About the Seattle Hip-Hop Summit Youth Council
Seattle Hip Hop Summit Action Network Youth Council (SHSANYC) was established in August 2002 as a vehicle for youth empowerment and leadership development in the greater Seattle area. SHANYC is the Seattle affiliate of the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN) founded in 2001 by entertainment mogul Russell Simmons and civil rights veteran Dr. Benjamin Chavis. HSAN is the largest non-profit, national coalition of hip-hop artists, entertainment industry leaders, education advocates, civil rights proponents, and youth leaders united in the belief that Hip-Hop is an enormously influential agent for positive social change which must be responsibly and proactively utilized to fight the war on poverty and injustice. For more information on the Seattle Hip-Hop Summit Youth Council visit www.seattlehiphopsummit.org or call 206.941.2527.
 
About United For Youth Coalition & UmojaFest Peace Center
The coalition is a growing network of community-based organizations, businesses and individuals committed to creating safer communities by recognizing and engaging youth as assets rather than liabilities. Currently the coalition members are focused on developing the UmojaFest PEACE Center at 24th & E. Spring in Central Seattle. The center will feature audio recording and video production studios, a Youth Violence Memorial & Organic Garden, office space for community organizations and an outdoor stage. For more information visit www.umojafestpeacecenter.com or call 206.329.1591.
 
Schedule at a Glance
9-10a                           Registration/Continental Breakfast Networking
10-11a                         Panels/Workshop Sessions 1
11:15a-12:15p             Panels/Workshop Sessions 2
12:30-2:00p                 Lunch & Keynote (Cap. 300)
2-3p                             Panels/Workshop Sessions 3
3:15-4:15p                   Panels/Workshop Sessions 4
4:30-5:00p                   Closing Plenary Speaker (Cap. 300)
5-6:00p                        Networking Reception (Cap. 300)
 
Keynote Bio
 Dr. Sujan “Supreme Understanding” Dass is a community activist and expert on what we call “the struggle.” A lifelong resident of America’s ghettoes, the author has been involved in the rap game, the drug game, the street hustle game, the pimping game, before advancing the many “legit” games most hustlers never learn. The author has amassed a number of academic degrees to supplement the “hands-on” learning mentioned above, ranging from a Bachelor’s degree in History to a Doctorate in Education with at-risk youth. He has also traveled the globe, researching, organizing, and conducting lectures, workshops, and motivational speeches. His travels have brought him to hundreds of cities across the U.S., as well as international locations in Ghana, India, Mexico, Eastern and Western Europe, the Caribbean, Thailand, and Japan. Supreme Understanding’s ability to combine intellectual awareness, with insight from the “real world” of America’s ghettoes, has made him a staunch critic of the many failed measures to reach our urban youth. After studying the weaknesses of dozens of programs, policies, and philosophies, the author realized something else was needed.
 
Through a combination of book knowledge and street wisdom, the author arrived at a set of guidelines any man could use to survive and achieve true success in an environment that normally rewards no one. By infusing these lessons into commentaries and tales that would appeal to the mind of the urban reader (and non-reader), How to Hustle and Win represents the guide to these principles.

United For Youth Coalition letter to Mayor Greg Nickels 12-11-08

Mayor Gregory Nickels

City Hall

5^th Avenue

Seattle, WA 98122

 

Dear Mayor Nickels:

We the members of the United For Youth Coalition (UFYC) are requesting a meeting with you regarding the implementation of the Youth Violence Prevention Initiative.  Responding to President-Elect Obama’s call for service we want to fully execute our responsibility as citizens by working with the city directly to effectively address the crisis in youth violence at the roots and be accountable for our role in the stewardship of public resources.

The current crisis of youth violence is the culmination of years of bad policy, insider dealing and government facilitated corruption that has disenfranchised and destabilized the African American community in Seattle. This is most clearly illustrated by the government facilitated co-opting of the African American Heritage Museum & Cultural Center from a community based institution to instill positive culture in our youth to a privately owned Urban League Village real estate development.

We are committed to working directly with government officials to solve the problem of youth crime in our city however we are expressing a no-confidence vote in the arbitrary appointment of the Urban League as coordinator of youth violence prevention network without community input.  The Urban League is not a respected authority on addressing issues of youth violence in our community.  A no-confidence vote goes to agencies that are not truly connected to our community and have failed to solve any of our problems, yet have received the majority of the resources to solve the problems. 

What we want:

• Restoration and expansion of funding Rainier Beach Central District Initiative and staff which successfully supported youth initiated violence prevention projects.
• The city to act in good faith regarding the implementation of Youth Violence Prevention Initiative, including more transparency and a community-based oversight committee for the initiative.
• Funding support for development of the UmojaFest PEACE Center, the new grassroots youth culture center in the Central District.
• A moratorium on public funding to the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle until an investigation regarding their acquisition of Colman School is completed.
• Green Jobs not Jails. Employ youth to build communities via a Youth Community Safety & Development Corps.
• Partner with community-based organizations to take advantage of surplus capacity in the Seattle school district by developing programs to attract youth for extracurricular activities.

United For Youth Coalition is a growing network of community-based organizations, businesses and individuals committed to creating safer communities by recognizing and engaging youth as assets rather than liabilities. The coalition’s long term goal is development of a world class youth-focused African American Heritage Museum & Cultural Center.

 

Currently the coalition members are focused on developing the UmojaFest PEACE Center at 24th & Spring in Central Seattle. The center will feature audio recording and Video production studios, a youth violence memorial & Organic Garden, office space for community organizations and an outdoors stage.  In addition the UFYC is also producing a series of Youth & Community Violence Prevention Forums titled “I choose Life…We Are Change”  For more information the UPC visit www.umojafestpeacecenter.ning.com.

 

The organizations and members of the United 4 Youth Coalition embody a track record of successful youth development initiatives including:

·         Cultural Enrichment Program at Garfield Teen Life Center (1997)

·         Umoja Fest Summer Academy (Established 1997)

·         Central Kings Youth Basketball (1998)

·         Rainier Beach High School Men’s Group (Established 1998)

·         UmojaFest Stars Baseball Organization (Established 1999)

·         Hiphopreneurs: CEOs in Training Program (Established 2003)

·         Youth Stakeholders Project (Established 2007)

·         Hip-Hop Youth Think Tank (Established 2008)

·         Game Recognize Game Urban Sports Marketing Academy (Established 2008)

·         Music Business Technology Program at Seattle Vocational Institute (Established 2006)

·         We Got Next Young Artist Showcase & Workshop (Est. 2006)

·         Hip-Hop Debate Program (Established 2007)

·         Hip-Hop Coffee Shop (Established 2007)

·         Multi Media Center 206 Hiphopumentary (2008)

·         African Youth United

 

The programming is being developed based on surveys of hundreds of youth from across Seattle.  Youth expressed the desire for more positive outlets and programs.  Our collective programming of the United For Youth Coalition member organizations provides culturally relevant strategy to prepare youth for the demands of an increasingly competitive global economy where persons lacking a global perspective and competencies in the areas of technology, finance, business and civic life frequently find themselves at a distinct disadvantage unable to enjoy the full benefits of society. The implementation of the programs under the umbrella of the United For Youth Coalition and  UmojaFest P.E.A.C.E Center, specifically seeks to fill the void in effective services delivered to this vulnerable segment of our population.

To deliver services, we have formed partnerships with community based institutions, organizations and agencies including Seattle Vocational Institute, Seattle Youth Employment Program, Rainier Beach High School, Central Area Chamber of Commerce, Seattle Public Library, National Hip-Hop Summit Action Network, Hip Hop Congress and are actively developing others with a mission of engaging, challenging, and preparing our youth for a rewarding, economically and personally fulfilling lives.  Programming focus on Cultural Enrichment & Life Skills, Technology Literacy, Financial Literacy, Media Literacy & Production, Employment Readiness, Entrepreneurship and Civic Engagement and Advocacy.

 

We look forward to your positive response.  Please contact Cochise Moore at 206.321.3038 via email at cochisem@gmail.com to schedule a meeting.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

United For Youth Coalition

 CC: Seattle City Council

Fox Q13 coverage of I Choose Life…We Are Change event.

News channel Fox Q13 coverage of I Choose Life…We Are Change event Nov. 23rd at Garfield Teen Life Center.

more about "Fox Q13 coverage of I Choose Life…W…", posted with vodpod

” I CHOOSE LIFE!” Community Dinner & Concert 12.06.2008