Born in Jamaica, raised in England and settled in Minnesota – we are lucky that Astor Green found his way to Hope Community. For 5 years, every Saturday morning, Astor has volunteered as a Math and English tutor for adult learners at the Hope Learning Center. Astor reflects on what inspires him to volunteer, “I really enjoy creating new ways for students to understand and solve math problems on their own.” With a PhD in Chemistry, Astor believes strongly that, “literacy is a foundation that everyone needs.”
Hip-Hop Songwriting and Music Production
Art of MC’ing, 2008
Overview
Youth ages 16-19 learn the art of music producution, performance and writing in Hope’s small music studio. Through music projects youth learn artistic elements, discipline, story-telling, taking a project through several stages to completion, cooperative learning and team building. All this work is centered in community, leadership development and creative expression/artistic development.
2010 Spring Session
January 13 – May 26- Every Wednesday 3:30 PM – 8:30 PM (Class Time 4:30 – 5:30 PM)
Hip Hop as an Organizing Tool with Chaka Mkali
Starts January 18 – Every Monday 4 PM – 6 PM
Accomplishments
Building neighborhood leadership:
Youth are working through hard issues like how to appropriately use language in rap while still communicating the messages they want to. Many are taking more responsibility for the class – its running and its expansion.
Supporting diverse relationships:
Youth talk about enjoying meeting new people and the importance of their relationships with the facilitators. Youth have expressed how the guidance of the facilitators has positively impacted them and their work.
Building personal and collective power:
Youth are more confident about writing and performing their music; they benefit from constructive criticism; and feel powerful enough as a group to help expand the studio in the future.
For more information: Contact Chaka Mkali, Lead Organizer at cmkali@hope-community.org or call (612) 435-1677.