CHICAGO HIP-HOP HERITAGE MONTH 2010

FOR RELEASE JUNE 1st, 2010
CONTACT:

Amina Norman-Hawkins
Chicago Hip-Hop Initiative

http://www.chihiphop.org
info@chihiphop.org

Chicago Hip-Hop Heritage Month has been recognized annually throughout the month of July since 2003.  In its 8^th year, it is observed as a time to celebrate and honor the accomplishments of those who have worked tirelessly and diligently to make Chicago’s hip-hop scene one of the most diverse, eclectic, and artistically unique. 

Deeply rooted in the traditional elements of hip-hop culture, Chicagoans demonstrate a profound connection to authentic practices of hip-hop as a youth inspired sub-culture of music, dance, visual arts, and community engagement.  Chicago is poised as the newest frontier of fertile ground for using hip-hop as a vehicle for social & community activism, and for developing new strategies for preserving and sustaining the culture, and art forms.

Chicago Hip-Hop Heritage Month was officially created by the approval of the Chicago City Council in a Jul. 9, 2003 resolution introduced by 27^th Ward Alderman Walter Burnett Jr., Approval of the resolution led to the incorporation of the Chicago Hip-Hop Initiative by hip-hop artist activist Amina Norman-Hawkins, hip-hop producer Chris Hawkins, and writer/filmmaker Mark Armstrong.

Events set for Hip-Hop Heritage Month this year are artists showcases, performances, exhibitions, workshops, forums, discussion panels, youth engagement events, films & photos screenings, and the annual ‘B-Girl Power’ Power Party.  Last year’s theme was ‘And It Don’t Stop-The Movement Continues’, and featured a host of artists including All Natural, Primeridian, Jitu Tha Jugganot f/ Cashus D, Lid Law, Poetree Chicago, FM Supreme, Stick & Move Dance Crew, Deja Taylor, DJ Manowax, Ang 13, The Opus, Urbanized Music, Aqua Moon, Kuumba Lynx, Notrydo Sincere, Griffen, GQ The Teacher, Steph Staa, Cadre Quarters, Dr Groove, Mario, Absolute Ikon,DJ SP1, Ladee Flipside, DJ Clash Titan, Anyi, and a host of others, at venues like Elastic Arts, Logan Square Auditorium, and Millennium Park’s Jay Pritzker Pavilion. This year is set to highlight the power of hip-hop when collective work prevails, and All Headz are On Deck.

“Since the challenges we face in today’s world affects everyone, the work needed to affect progressive change depends on the collective work of the entire community.” says Amina Norman-Hawkins, President and Executive Director of Chicago Hip-Hop Initiative.  “This year is a call to action, and we are using hip-hop to promote collective work and responsibility.  The time is NOW, and we need ALL headz on deck!”

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For more information about Chicago Hip-Hop Heritage Month 2010, visit the Chicago Hip-Hop Initiative website at www.chihiphop.org, or email info@chihiphop.org