REMIXING THE ART OF SOCIAL CHANGE: Midwest

After three successful bouts in DC and one in San Francisco, WBL is expanding its “Remixing the Art of Social Change: A Hip-Hop Approach” Teach-In to the Chicago area from May 5-8.

In preparation, WBL has been working with Chicago-based hip-hop scholars, organizations, artists and activists to create a program specifically for Chicago and the larger Midwest region. Events include panels facilitated by artists and scholars on topics including the role of hip-hop scholars in university academics, feminism and hip-hop political organizing. The Teach-In will also offer DJing, emceeing and other skill workshops open to all participants.

The Teach-In aims to bring together scholars, activists, artists, organizations and youth to celebrate the works of individuals and organizations in the greater hip-hop community. Be sure not to miss this opportunity to learn, converse and connect.

Edgewood Opening: WBL’s new site location

WBL in partnership with the Community Preservation and Development Corporation is proud to announce to opening of a new site location. The classes at CPDC’s Edgewood Terrace will maintain the same focus, building artists, scholars and communities around the elements of hip-hop. WBL will also be joining our valued, long-time partner, Beacon House, at the new site to help champion high school and college successes. Edgewood will also come with a fully equipped studio available for recording sessions.

Currently, WBL is conducting a survey to determine what classes to offer at the new site. Come join us at the Edgewood Terrace Courtyard on Sunday, May 1 from 12-3 pm to take the survey and celebrate the inauguration the new location. There will be live music, a b-boy demo, graffiti painting, food and of course, fun.

Last week, four WBL staff members and teachers traveled to Uganda for five days to work with and experience the country’s growing hip-hop culture. As WBL’s second trip to Uganda, the trip focused on solidifying and creating relationships with young artists in Uganda’s first ever hip-hop generation. Working with The Bavubuka Foundation, a nonprofit that promotes youth empowerment through art, WBL led classes on songwriting, emceeing and b-boying, playing the role of both teacher and student in this cross-cultural conversation.

One of the primary goals of WBL is to help facilitate positive hip-hop growth and to see it in action is a reward in itself. Being able to connect with people halfway around the world through not just the elements of hip-hop, but through the creative arts in general is both inspiring and humbling. It’s a reminder that this work is worth doing and worth doing well.