Hip Hop Congress

The Official Launch – Join the Urban Teacher Network (UTN)!

please pass on to all teachers you know!!!!

Thanks

This idea has been months in the making and we’re finally ready to launch the UTN over the summer. The UTN will be a major project of Hip Hop Congress’ Education Initiative. Its purpose is to reach out directly to those that work and mentor our youth. We want to support their efforts, build networks, share curriculum ideas and resources, and organize ways to better serve our communities needs.

Teachers have many tough issues to deal with while trying to educate and elevate today’s youth in this oppressive structure. The truth is the school system in many ways maintains the status quo structure of injustice and inequality. Teachers and even many administrators work hard to change that but often find themselves penalized for thinking outside of the box and being more relevant to their students’ lives. One recent example of a talented and dedicated teacher who was targeted for teaching a culturally relevant curriculum (using the Autobiography of Malcolm X) is Ms. Salazar of Jordan High, Watts, CA. Ms. Salazar’s contract is not being renewed but her students are fighting for her future at the school and their rights to a relevant and empowering education. She has taught them to learn their histories and love themselves as illustrated in this video.

VIDEO: FIRE IN WATTS: Jordan Students Rise for Ms. Salazar

The UTN hopes to organize and support teachers like Ms. Salazar and others who dedicate their lives to literally saving our future. The UTN is also interested in educating and mentoring our youth in more creative and relevant (and less restrictive) ways to most effectively serve their needs. To that end, we are promoting an urban arts education curriculum to bring to schools, juvenile centers and after school programs. We also plan to organize UTN events for teachers and students outside of the classroom in less restrictive spaces to learn, live and grow through experiences in community based outings.

I will be the primary contact for the UTN.

“Please email me at UTN@hiphopcongress.com to request an
application (data form) and we will reach out to you promptly!”

…and again, please pass on to all teachers you know!!!!

Thanks

take care,
tina
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Kristine Wright, Ph.D.
Sociology & African American Studies
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Visit my blo g:
http://riseuphiphopnation.blogspot.com/