Vision Statement
Empowering the next generation through hip-hop based education, we envision a vibrant community where every young person thrives academically, creatively, and emotionally. By integrating the rich culture of hip-hop with comprehensive academic tutoring/instruction, wellness support, and dynamic artistic expression (emceeing/spoken word, deejaying/music production, graffiti/art, and dance, we aim to inspire, uplift, and develop leaders within our community. Our vision is a world where education is engaging, inclusive, and transformative, fostering a brighter future for all.
Mission Statement
The mission of Upward Light Community Cyphers is to provide support through hip-hop based educational related services and resources for the community.
Goals and Objectives
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Promote positive academic and social and emotional outcomes
- Provide academic tutoring services (ELA designed to improve academic outcomes for K-12 students)
- Partner with K-12 School Districts in offering Hip-Hop Based Education Electives
- Develop Podcast and Community Events reminiscent of a “Teen Summit”
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Develop a network centering on wellness support for youth.
- Design comprehensive wellness workshops addressing various aspects of health related to hip-hop based education.
- Provide platform for African Hip-Hop Drumming Activities to take place within the community
- Develop a plan for overall wellness workshops for the youth/community to take place.
- Collaborate with mental health experts to develop workshop content and material supporting youth through hip-hop based educational services.
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Create Platform for Artistic Expression
- Support Youth with Hip-Hop Based Educational Artistic Expression Activities
- Provide workshops associated with Hip-Hop Based Education that includes topics such as entrepreneurship and fashion.
- Collaborate with hip-hop based educational experts to develop workshop content and material supporting youth
- Invite local artists and cultural ambassadors to speak and perform at events.
Core Values
Empowerment
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Description: We believe in empowering individuals to realize their full potential through education, creativity, and self-expression.
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Demonstration: We provide opportunities for students to take charge of their learning and artistic growth, fostering a sense of confidence and agency in their personal and academic lives.
Community Engagement
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Description: We are committed to strengthening the bonds within our community and fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose.
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Demonstration: We engage with local organizations, families, and community members to create collaborative projects and initiatives that benefit the broader community.
Cultural Relevance
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Description: We honor and incorporate the rich history and culture of hip-hop in our educational practices, ensuring that learning is meaningful and connected to students' lives.
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Demonstration: We integrate hip-hop's elements into our curriculum and activities, reflecting the cultural backgrounds and experiences of our students, and promoting cultural pride and awareness.
Excellence
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Description: We strive for excellence in all our endeavors, constantly seeking to improve and innovate our programs and practices.
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Demonstration: We set high standards for ourselves and our students, encouraging continuous growth, learning, and achievement in all aspects of our work.
These core values guide our hip-hop education program, ensuring that we provide a supportive, inclusive, and enriching environment where students can thrive academically, creatively, and personally.
Local Considerations
Memphis, Tennessee Metropolitan Area
Mental Health and Emotional Support: Mental health is a crucial component of student success. Hip-hop therapy and artistic expression can provide emotional outlets and support mental well-being.
-The Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) reported in 2021 that approximately 37% of high school students in Tennessee felt sad or hopeless almost every day for two or more weeks in a row, impacting their usual activities. Memphis has limited access to mental health services, particularly for low-income families. Hip-hop therapy can provide an accessible and relatable form of mental health support.
- According to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Memphis is designated as a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) for mental health services.
-The U.S. Census Bureau reports that Memphis has a poverty rate of approximately 24.6% (as of the latest data), which is significantly higher than the national average. Economic barriers can limit access to mental health services for low-income families who may lack insurance or the means to pay for care out-of-pocket.
-A report by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services highlights that a significant portion of the population in Memphis relies on Medicaid or is uninsured, which can further restrict access to mental health care due to limited provider availability and coverage
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Academic Relevance and Engagement: Incorporating hip-hop into education can make learning more engaging and relevant for students in the Memphis Metropolitan area. This approach can support academic performance and increase student engagement.
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Memphis Academic Statistics:
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In 2022, the Tennessee Department of Education reported that 22% of students in the Shelby County Schools (SCS), which serves Memphis, were proficient in English Language Arts (ELA) and 21% in math.
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The graduation rate for Shelby County Schools in 2021 was approximately 77%, which is below the national average of 86% (National Center for Education Statistics).
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Context on the Importance of Hip-Hop Based Education for K-12 Students within the Community
By incorporating hip-hop into education, we create an environment where students feel seen, heard, and valued. This approach not only enhances academic achievement and mental wellness but also nurtures creativity, self-expression, and cultural pride. It prepares students to be well-rounded individuals equipped with the skills and confidence to succeed in their personal and academic lives.
1. Education Initiative: Integrating hip-hop into academic tutoring and school electives makes learning more relatable and engaging for students, especially when context is connected to the content. Hip-hop's lyrical content often involves complex wordplay, storytelling, and cultural references, which can enhance literacy skills and critical thinking. When students see their culture reflected in their education, it can boost their motivation and participation and ultimately their engagement.
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ACT Prep and Academic Tutoring:
Relevance and Engagement: Using hip-hop in subjects like English and History makes lessons more engaging and relatable.
Cognitive Skills: Deciphering lyrics and understanding their deeper meanings helps develops comprehension and analytical skills.
Self-Expression: Hip-hop encourages students to articulate their thoughts and opinions, aiding in verbal and written communication skills.
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School Electives:
Choice and Autonomy: Offering hip-hop-based electives gives students the autonomy to choose subjects they are passionate about and engage within the content in ways that has not been done before with traditional content/courses.
Creative Learning: Electives in public speaking/writing (incorporating elements of emceeing and spoken word), music production, dance, and art allow for creative expression and can reduce stress, making school a more engaging learning environment
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Media and Community Engagement
-Teaching students to create podcasts and media content allows them to develop valuable communication, technical, and storytelling skills. This not only supports their academic growth but also prepare them for careers in media, journalism, and entertainment.
-Involving students in community-based hip-hop projects, such as mural painting or organizing local performances, encourages civic engagement and community service. These activities help students develop a sense of responsibility and connection to their community.
2. Wellness Support: Addressing a person’s overall wellness including mental health through culturally relevant methods is crucial for effective support and healing. Hip-hop, as a form of self-expression, provides a potential therapeutic outlet for students to process emotions and experiences.
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Mental Health Therapy:
Cultural Relevance: Hip-hop therapy resonates with students' identities including the exploration of the fifth element of hip-hop which is knowledge of self, making them more likely to engage in and benefit from therapy.
Expressive Freedom: Writing lyrics and performing can be powerful tools for emotional expression and processing trauma.
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African Hip-Hop Drumming:
Stress Relief: Drumming can be a physical and emotional outlet, reducing stress and promoting mindfulness.
Cultural Connection: It connects students to African heritage, fostering a sense of pride and identity.
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Health Considerations:
Holistic Health: Promoting physical activity through dance and drumming, while addressing mental health needs, supports overall well-being.
Community Building: Group activities like drumming and dance strengthen social bonds and create a supportive community environment.
3. Artistic Expression: Hip-hop's four pillars—emceeing, deejaying, graffiti art, and dance offer diverse avenues for artistic expression, helping students explore their identities and develop new skills.
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Emceeing/Spoken Word:
Confidence Building: Performing spoken word can boost self-esteem and public speaking skills.
Storytelling: It allows students to share their stories and perspectives, fostering empathy and understanding among peers.
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Dee-Jaying/Music Production:
Technical Skills: Students learn about music technology, sound engineering, and production, which can spark interest in STEM fields.
Creativity: Remixing and creating beats encourages innovative thinking and artistic creativity.
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Dance:
Physical Fitness: Dance is a fun way to promote physical health and coordination.
Self-Expression: It provides a non-verbal outlet for emotions and creativity, helping students communicate through movement.
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Art/Graffiti: