HIP HOP & CONGRESS

 

118th CONGRESS
1st Session

RES. 602

 

Commemorating the 50th anniversary of hip hop and designating August 11, 2023, as “Hip Hop Celebration Day”, designating August 2023 as “Hip Hop Recognition Month”, and designating November 2023 as “Hip Hop History Month”.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

July 19, 2023

Mr. Bowman (for himself, Ms. Waters, and Ms. Kamlager-Dove) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce

RESOLUTION

Commemorating the 50th anniversary of hip hop and designating August 11, 2023, as “Hip Hop Celebration Day”, designating August 2023 as “Hip Hop Recognition Month”, and designating November 2023 as “Hip Hop History Month”.

Whereas 2023 is the 50th anniversary of the creation of hip hop;

Whereas, on August 11, 1973, Clive “DJ Kool Herc” Campbell introduced his innovative style of disc jockeying at an event organized by his sister, Cindy Campbell, called the “Back To School Jam”, which was held in the recreation room of 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in the Bronx, New York;

Whereas, together, Clive “DJ Kool Herc” Campbell and the master of ceremonies engaged the crowd with rap on the microphone, while partygoers known as B-boys and B-girls danced, and introduced a new style, later known as “hip hop”, which combined the elements of a disc jockey (commonly known as a “DJ”), a master of ceremonies (commonly known as an “MC”), music, art, and dance;

Whereas Clive “DJ Kool Herc” Campbell was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2023;

Whereas, from the humble beginnings of hip hop in New York City, the music, lyricism, dance, and art of hip hop has become a culture found in communities across the United States, and has long been a worldwide phenomenon;

Whereas the art and culture of hip hop is an original creation of the United States and one of the most popular genres of music within the United States;

Whereas hip hop has had notable southern influences following its northern inception, such as jazz and bounce from New Orleans, Louisiana, the blues from Mississippi, and country from the South, and these influences along with other celebrated genres of music, such as disco, gospel, soul, rock and roll, and Indigenous music from across the United States, have all helped hip hop transcend boundaries and contributed significant intellectual heritage and regional influence to the creation and progression of hip hop over the last century;

Whereas the hip hop genre has been reinvented often over the years since 1973, reflecting the State, city, and region of the music, from G-funk and hyphy on the West Coast, to bass and trap in the South, to drill in the Midwest, to many other sounds from coast to coast and from abroad, including contemporary hip hop, which continues that trend by allowing listeners not only to unwind and escape through a rhythmic beat but also to resonate and empathize with the stories being told;

Whereas hip hop artists and supporters, originally of African heritage, now transcend many different ages, ethnicities, religions, locations, political affiliations, and socioeconomic statuses, which demonstrates the versatility and inclusivity of hip hop art and culture;

Whereas the art and culture of hip hop have been adapted in many innovative forms that are inspirational, challenging, humorous, thought-provoking, and spiritual;

Whereas hip hop as a multidimensional art form and lifestyle continues to produce new subgenres of music and stylistic lexicons and promotes new cultural imprints, trends, and movements that reverberate across the United States and around the globe;

Whereas hip hop has provided opportunities for extracurricular activities, youth empowerment, creative outlets, physical fitness, vocabulary exercises, poetry, analytical thinking, entertainment, employment, and economic impact and has become an industry that generates more than $1,000,000,000 annually;

Whereas hip hop art, education, and culture have positive effects on society;

Whereas, on August 11, 2023, the Federal Government, States, cities, and towns will observe Hip Hop Celebration Day;

Whereas, during the month of August 2023, the Federal Government, States, cities, and towns will observe Hip Hop Recognition Month; and

Whereas, during the month of November 2023, the Federal Government, States, cities, and towns will observe Hip Hop History Month: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives—

(1) supports the designation of “Hip Hop Celebration Day”;

(2) supports the designation of “Hip Hop Recognition Month”;

(3) supports the designation of “Hip Hop History Month”;

(4) recognizes the 50 years of contributions of hip hop to art and culture;

(5) encourages Members to commemorate the 50th anniversary of hip hop and support appropriate activities that recognize the historic milestone and cultural legacy of the “Back To School Jam” of August 11, 1973; and

(6) encourages local governments in the United States to build partnerships with local hip hop entities and other members of the creative arts and music communities in celebration of the 50th anniversary of hip hop.

 

 

 


Supporting the culture

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip hop is a significant milestone, marking half a century of a music genre and cultural movement that has significantly influenced the world. Local governments can take advantage of this occasion to not only recognize the influence of hip hop but also to foster relationships with local artists and the broader creative community. Here are some suggestions for local governments in the United States to consider:

  1. Host Hip Hop Festivals and Events: Organize city or county-wide hip hop festivals featuring local artists, DJs, dancers, and graffiti artists. This can include performances, workshops, panel discussions, and art exhibits.
  2. Educational Partnerships: Collaborate with schools and educational institutions to incorporate hip hop history and its cultural impact into the curriculum. Invite local hip hop artists to lecture or hold workshops.
  3. Public Art Installations: Commission murals or other public artworks that celebrate the history and legacy of hip hop in the local community.
  4. Grants and Sponsorships: Offer financial support to local hip hop entities, such as community-based music programs, recording studios, and venues that promote and uplift the hip hop culture.
  5. Hip Hop Archive/Library: Create a dedicated space in public libraries or community centers for hip hop archives, which can include music, magazines, posters, clothing, and other memorabilia.
  6. Documentary Series: Partner with local filmmakers to create a documentary series highlighting the history of hip hop in the area, showcasing local pioneers and current influencers.
  7. Local Hip Hop Hall of Fame: Establish a local Hall of Fame or Wall of Honor to recognize significant contributors from the area to the hip hop scene, whether they’re artists, promoters, or other behind-the-scenes individuals.
  8. Open Mic and Battle Nights: Organize regular events at community centers or public venues where local talents can showcase their skills.
  9. Collaborative Community Projects: Encourage artists from other genres to collaborate with hip hop artists on joint projects, fostering unity within the larger arts community.
  10. Recognition Proclamations: Officially recognize key figures and entities that have played a significant role in promoting and sustaining hip hop culture locally.
  11. Oral Histories: Encourage the documentation of oral histories from pioneers in the community, preserving the stories and experiences of those who were there at the beginning.
  12. Community Workshops: Organize workshops on DJing, breakdancing, rapping, graffiti art, and other hip hop elements, open to all ages.

By fostering such partnerships and initiatives, local governments can not only celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip hop but also emphasize its continued relevance and influence on future generations.