I.History of Rap
This session examines theorigins and evolution of rap music and Hip Hop culture.Participants will examine the phenomenon which has paved the way for Hip-Hop and professional sports to produce more young African-American millionaires than any other industry in American business.
II. Gangsta Rap- "“To Bang or Not To Bang"”
Explanations are provided as to how Gangsta Rap can mislead youth who do not have responsible law abiding adults in their lives to set positive examples. The session will address how youth can become victims of their environment.
III. Education Issues- “"You Must Learn"”
This training session examines the manner in which youth learn and communicate. Discussions focus on the difficulties of teaching students who do not place a high value on education. Instructions are provided on how to utilize Hip-Hop culture as a learning tool.
IV. Law Enforcement-“"You Got Me Locked Up”"
This training session examines the contributions of the Rap music industry and law enforcement in the disintegration of the relationship between the two, as well as the cultural tendency for today’s youth to show a lack of respect for authority. Techniques will be taught on enhancing community relations, as well as preventing different types of profiling and biased assumptions like “Driving while Black” or Driving While Brown(DWB).
V. Drugs and Sex Messages -“"Get Lifted and Drop it
Like it’s Hot”"
The lyrics of Rap music are explored in this session. Participants will discuss the meanings of common slang used to describe references to terms, such as drugs, drug selling, alcohol, and sex. A thorough examination of the music and the destructive terms utilized to influence today’s youth will help to equip adults with powerful prevention tools.
VI. Lyrics- "“What You Know About That”"
In this session, lyrics, slang terms and phrases used in Rap music are explained in detail. Participants will leave with the knowledge and understanding to interpret the meaning of Rap music on any level.
VII. “Hip-Hop Too Success
” This training session uses relevant and current examples in Hip-Hop to teach youth the value of education, perseverance, striving for excellence, skill-building and goal setting. Character education will be emphasized by highlighting the importance of demonstrating personal accountability and responsibility.
VIII. Violence &Guns-“"Say Hello To My Little
Friend”"
This session examines the widespread acceptance and promotion of violence in Rap music. It also explores the elevated social status attributed to those who carry guns. Techniques will be taught on how to identify the characteristics of people who carry concealed weapons. Participants will be provided a detailed list of the terms used to describe guns, as well as the typical locations and compartments used to conceal weapons in vehicles.
IX. Thug Images-“"T.H.U.G.L.I.F.E"”
This session addresses the popularity and influences associated with being considered a “Thug.” It examines the cultural acceptance of wearing baggie pants that display underwear (“saggin”), white-t’ees, khakis, expensive footwear, braids, doo-rags, iced-out jewelry, fronts, and blunts. It also explores the lure to participate in criminal acts carried out just to get a “rep” or to avenge someone who was “dissed.”
X. Peer Conflict Resolution- "“Make Your Haters your
Motivators”"
This session teaches youth methods of resolving conflict that do not involve resorting to violence or becoming disrespectful. Youth participants will gain insight into the “pimp or protect” mentality which exists in the Hip-Hop culture. Examples of people from the culture are used to show the devastating consequences of using violence as the only resolution.
XI. Adult and Youth Relations- “"You Don’t Know Me"”
This training session uses Rap music to bridge the generational gap between adults and youth by exposing commonalities between the two which are often overlooked and ignored.
XII. Fashions and Dress
This session explores different fashions worn in the United States throughout the Hip-Hop community and the significance of various fashions based on locale. Participants will be able to address what different clothing styles signify in Hip-Hop culture.
XIII. Stop Bullying- “"I Got Your Back"”
In this session, the causes and signs of bullying, as well as the harm it creates will be addressed. Participants will be taught to distinguish between common “"horseplay"” and bullying and will leave with an increased understanding of the emotional, psychological, and physical scars that are commonly found in victims of bullying. The session will also explore the roles parents, siblings, relatives, school personnel and community members can play in condoning behaviors that promote the acceptance of bullying. Participants will be provided effective bullying prevention and intervention strategies.
