Newark, New Jersey Mayor Ras J. Baraka believes he’s found a way to reach the youth.
He’s developed a new program that utilizes the performing arts to help educate his city’s younger population.
“To change the city, we need to mobilize our youth and the power of culture to enhance life,” Mayor Baraka says during an interview with AllHipHop. “This program will connect our young artists with the skills they need to become successful in their fields of interest and in life. They will be mentored by Newark natives who have distinguished themselves as artists.”
Acting, photography and music are the classes that have been announced as part of the program, thus far.
Hip Hop artist and Newark resident Rah Digga has been tapped to teach the music program, alongside singer-songwriter-producer Peter Hadar.
Digga and Hadar will reportedly cover courses such as the history of Hip Hop, intro. to the music industry, recording processes and building images and brands. A portion of the class will take place in classrooms, while other segments will be taught in a recording studio.
Other Newark natives, including actor JD Williams and veteran photographer Brett Melius, BFA, have been assigned to courses that are relevant to their professions.
Mayor Baracka hopes that this new initiative will have a lasting impact on the future of the city.
“When the young men and women complete this program, they will be the generation of artists that transforms Newark’s culture – and that of America – into the City and nation we can all believe in. As a long-time Newark educator, I am both proud and excited by this program.”
The Performing Arts Program is being offered by The Newark Youth One Stop Career Training Center. Newark residents ages 17 – 21 are eligible to participate.
the ‘ill beat that bitch w a bat’rappergonna try n teach about hiphop..next!
You OBVIOUSLY have not been keeping up with Hip Hop if you think thats all Digga is known for. And her new stuff is shitting on her old stuff. Not too many rappers can say that. #AngelaDavis #Culture
lol her new stuff is wack if it was hot “oldheads” would be talking about it
^DUH…DUH….DUH….
@Rideout just by your comment let’s me know your level of intellect. When did anyone need your approval for anything. Plain and simple opinions are like assholes….. If you don’t like it don’t buy it but what’s really bothering me is the fact that you and people like you, who make negative statements toward positive black women like Rah Digga whose interest is solely for the empowerment of the youth. When will this destructive behavior cease? Whether or not you believe her music is wack, Rah Digga is a making a difference in our community for the better. She is our Newark Legend, Our Newark OooQueen and our fellow Newark residents and black people especially should feel proud to have a women of her stature representing hip hop in a positive manner to our youth. Damn show some respect. #whatareyoudoingforNewarkyouths?
CONGRATULATIONS RAHDIGGA!!!!! Stay on our Grizzle we need more role models for our youth like you in Newark, N.J. “Da Brick City”!!!!! and continue to bring it to the world #hiphoplegacy #history #educational YEAH! YEAH!
Rah Digga still continues to fool people into thinking she’s a legend, I see.
Maybe it is you that should accept the fact that she is one then… Like it or not she is here for Hip Hop while your icon probably somewhere spending money on a stripper or taking underdressed selfies.
@ Black Power Denial is a river in Egypt.
Don’t even play that “I’m more Hip-Hop than you” card. She got you fooled too.
@Shones Jones You cant fool ppm into thinking your a legend either u r or u r not. Your a hater too, that’s very sad for you