This post by Mazi Mutafa, on the new group of linked Words-Beats-Life blogs, describes how hip-hop has grown beyond its urban roots to become a respected art form with the power to lead a movement for its community.

“2008 and 2009 seemed to not only be great years in the history of American electoral politics, but a break out year for hip-hop activism. I think 2008-2009 marks the official graduation of hip-hop from college. In the mid to early 90’s due to the efforts of students like Yvonne Bynoe and Timothy Jones at Howard University, hip-hop invaded campuses all over America with opportunities for emerging scholars, artists and activists to begin the process of bringing hip-hop discussions out of college dorm rooms, dining halls and athletic locker rooms into classrooms….

We have learned from the Panther, and the Civil Rights Generation, baby boomers, the women’s movement and the womanist movement. We are trying to build organizations that reflect the diversity of opinions and approaches found in our community. We are not trying to take the torch from our elders. It seems that their graves will be in need of light, so we are becoming blacksmiths and lumberjacks, smelting steel and shaping wood to create the torches that will light our way.”

To read the complete post click here.

- Kathyrn Boland