Bronx, NY — On February 8th at 2:40 pm, the (Bigger Than) Hip Hop Project, will have a show for students to launch its empowerment and hip hop based afterschool program at Bronx Early College Academy located in the South Bronx at 250 East 164 Street.
The (Bigger Than) Hip Hop Project is an initiative for middle school students based on all elements of hip hop, including DJing, MCing, Break Dancing, and Graffiti Art. Our mission is to help reduce youth drop-out rates and gang involvement by incorporating leadership development, positive mentorship, intergenerational learning, and community outreach and providing an outlet and opportunity for students to express and cultivate their interests and talents. The program will include workshops after school at Bronx Early College Academy Wednesdays from 4:20-6pm. The (Bigger Than) Hip Hop Project is the first student-run hip hop based organization in New York City. It is the only organization that focuses on education and incorporates all elements of hip hop throughout the entire school year. It pairs New York Hip Hop artists from all genres, facets, and elements, with middle school students to teach and mentor them in their respective crafts.
On February 8th, New York local hip hop artists will provide a show for students as an introduction into the program.
This is a project founded by New York University student Alicia Bell and built with the help of fellow NYU students, Bridget Rochios, Pamela Nguyen, and Rachel Guest, alongside local New York artist, J Monopoly (James Williams) with the help and resources of Ashoka's Youth Venture and the Catherine B. Reynolds Foundation.
In New York City, only 52.2% of students graduate. Furthermore, only 43% of Hispanic students graduate compared to 47.2% of black students, the 68.8% of white students, and the 70.9% of Asian students graduate. In the South Bronx, the highest concentrated rates of jail and prison incarcerations, misdemeanor arrests, drug possession and sale arrests, and homicides exist alongside increased rates of poverty, teenage pregnancy, and asthma cases. The South Brox, it is also home to a diverse of a plethora of artistic and creative people. It is considered by many to be the home of hip hop. (Bigger Than) Hip Hop attempts to link all of these facets together using a strengths-based perspective.
The program, which will continue to expand into other schools, boroughs, and cities in future years, will launch its pilot program at Bronx Early College Academy on February 8th at 2:40. Please come out and support our children.
For further information: Contact biggerthanhiphop@ymail.com
Phone: 704-421-1776
