Unique blend of art, culture, and community empowerment broadens the ‘Occupy Movement’
Hip Hop Occupies and the POC Caucus of Occupy Seattle present an urban arts-infused event that redefines protest and self-determination. In solidarity with All People's Revolutionary Front, and in partnership with 206 Zulu, Dope Emporium, Black Orchid Collective, and over a dozen other local Hip Hop organizations, collectives, and businesses, “Rise & Decolonize! Let’s Get Free” aims to create a new model for engaging and empowering youth, people of color, and other voices in the ‘Occupy Movement’.
The “Rise & Decolonize” program will feature a march down to Westlake, performances from over twenty local DJs, emcees, and b-boy/b-girl crews, speakers, live art and cipher spaces, as well as a survey to canvass and identify local demands around youth service, media justice, economic displacement, and other issues directly impacting underrepresented communities in Seattle. “Beyond entertainment, Hip Hop is a potent organizing base,” says Julie C, emcee from Hip Hop Occupies, “and through this event we are providing a timely access point and channel for our communities to be represented.”
“Hip Hop History Month [November] is a reminder of the struggle's intensity and how under any circumstance and by any means, change can be made,” says King Khazm, Westcoast Regional Director of Universal Zulu Nation and founder of 206 Zulu, “Let us remember and overstand this legacy so that we can be the change we want to see, shaping our own future.” Jace Ecaj, veteran emcee from Black Stax and founder of Dope Emporium adds, “The actions of the movement are aligned with the consciousness of Hip Hop Culture. The time is now to create an infrastructure that reflects the attitude and respect for basic human rights and balance to the people.”
Event Date: Friday, November 18, 2011
Event Location: Westlake Park, 4th & Pine in Downtown Seattle
Event Schedule:
4:30-5:00pm: March from Seattle Central Community College to Westlake Park
5:00-5:30pm: Press Conference
-Opening Statements, Background on Hip Hop History Month, Mission of Event
5:30-9:30pm: Rally & Performances
-Featuring Black Stax, Sista Hailstorm, Suntonio Bandanaz, Waves of the Mind, DJ SeaBefore, Korvus Blackbird, DJ Intylekt, Sean Malik, Graves 33, Greg & Jerome, Jamil, Youth Speakin' Truth, G.M.F Squad, JJ, Massiah, Black Magic Noize, Sire One, Khazm, Julie C, E-Dawg, and B-Boy/B-Girl cyphers from Circle of Fire, Crisis Crew, North City Rockers, & More!
9:30-10:00pm: Closing cipher
