What organizations or individuals work do you admire, particularly as it relates to strengthening society, and why?

I really want you to think about the work you admire that has made a difference in someone's life and/or community. Religious, civic, business, entertainment, education, or labor are just a few of the areas that you can consider discussing. It could be someone current or past. What is it about their work that makes you say "WOW."

If you had the resources of Russell Simmons, how would you address the condition of the African American male or community in general?

What did you learn at The Condition of the African American Male Town Hall and how can Hip Hop be used to address the five categories mentioned?

The Condition of the African American Male Town Hall was an opportunity for you to learn about the culture of policy initiatives or bills. In this instance, discovering the role that Hip Hop will play in the process is where you begin forming questions such as What sort of programs or projects have been used in the past to support African American men and how successful were they? What sort of funding will be availble to communities poised to address the issues?, Who will be targeted to do that work?, How authentic will they be to the population that they serve?, How will success be evaluated?

When you go back to Chang's book, you'll find similar reoccurring themes, themes such as poor housing, high unemployment, fatherless homes, etc.. Use the content of your reading to help provide a cultural context to position the bill as you develop your project proposal. Through your work or proposal you may be able to help recommend strategies for implementation on a local and statewide level.

In concluding Jeff Chang's book, what were consistent themes that continued to emerge in Hip Hop's evolution, and how has it impacted today's youth?

How did west coast culture impact Hip Hop?

What are the implications of the Reagan Administration's policies on Hip Hop?

In the readings, Chang does a great job illustrating how governmental policy at the local, state, and federal level impacts communities of color. Too often the oppressive nature of urban based policy initiatives displaces families, uproots employment opportunities, and undereducates communities of stranded individuals that get caught up in a spin-cycle of crimminal activity, substance abuse, and lock out of the political process.

As a result of the barrage of blight that is left behind, voices of dissent and disdain emerge to showcase the cultural baggage caused by their social condition. In the post civil rights era, society has witnessed this outcry through the various elements of Hip Hop Culture; DJing, Break Dancing, Graffitti Writing, MCing, and Knowledge seeking.

What role have politics played, historically, in the development of Hip Hop Culture?

Remember what we discussed in class Tueday.