I’m writing this poem about hip hop because I’m planning a conference for next week about the role of hip hop in promoting positive outcomes among urban youth.   It’s really got me thinking…

betta recognize by sage

lil’ Hop thinks he’s so

Hip to the rules

there’s no need to be schooled

that he’s got to do something more

than wish on a star and bling

that player’s gotta get more game cause

he’d rather take a time-out

than struggle

a nigga who prefers to shuffle

than fight

off the darkness of doubt

masking the true nature of his heart

she’d rather be that chick or trick

than pull dreams out of her own hat

won’t cover her ass

to remove the nightmare of sleepwalking through life

 fame ain’t served on a platter engraved in gold chains that hold you back from

keepin it real

&

facing the fact

sucker

you don’t know jack…

If you’re inspired come check out the conference and spread the word…

St. John’s University presents
 
Empowering Communities through Hip hOp Summit
 
Come and join our discussion w/
Celebrity DJ and founder of Black Girls Rock Inc., DJ Beverly Bond,
Rapper & Grammy Award Writer of ‘Jesus Walks’ Che ‘Rhymefest’ Smith,
Author & BET Copy Editor Thembisa Mshaka, Ralph McDaniels aka Uncle Ralph from Video Music Box
Hip Hop Association founder Martha Diaz, and others…
                                   
St. John’s University Manhattan Campus Auditorium
101 Murray Street, New York, NY
Thursday October 22nd, 2009
10am-3pm
 
THIS IS A FREE EVENT!!
Please RSVP at ECHOSummit09@gmail.com  
 
Lunch will be provided
Afternoon workshop sessions with youth educators and psychologists
CE credits available to psychologists
 
Event sponsored by:
T-Mobile and Sprite Green