Date: Saturday, April 27, 2024
Time: 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Location: Alexandria Black History Museum
Admission: Free

Join us for an exciting book signing event celebrating the launch of "Hip Hop @ 50" on Saturday, April 27, 2024, from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm at the Alexandria Black History Museum. The event, hosted by Alexandria Community Remembrance Project Steering Committee Member Michael Johnson and others, promises an engaging exploration of hip hop culture and its impact over the past five decades.

"Hip Hop @ 50" is the culmination of a two-day conference held at Howard University in October 2023, bringing together scholars, artists, and media icons to delve into the multifaceted world of hip hop. Edited by Dr. Elizabeth Clark Lewis, the book features essays from the symposium, including contributions from Alexandria residents such as Michael Johnson, Samantha Averett, A. Edna Santiago, and Stephanie Johnson.

From personal reflections on hip hop's roots in New York City to its integration into Alexandria's education system, the book offers a comprehensive look at the genre's evolution and influence. Authors explore how hip hop has been shaped by literary movements, social activism, and urban culture, injecting new energy into performance with poetry and wordplay that reflect the realities of urban life.

Books will be available for purchase at the event. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with the authors as they discuss their contributions to this groundbreaking exploration of hip hop's enduring legacy.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to celebrate hip hop culture and its impact on communities worldwide. Admission is free, and all are welcome to attend.

For more information, call 703-746-4356.

About the Authors:

Michael Johnson - A member of the Alexandria Community Remembrance Project Steering Committee, Michael Johnson's essay highlights the role of music in community activities and its positive impact on Alexandria's culture.

Samantha Averett - An educator, Dr. Averett's article explores the evolution of hip hop and its integration into education, emphasizing its importance as a pedagogical tool and a cultural resource.

A. Edna Santiago - Recounting her experiences growing up in New York City during the 1980s, A. Edna Santiago's essay provides personal insights into hip hop's cultural significance and its influence on urban life.

Stephanie Johnson - As a retired employee of Alexandria Public Schools, Stephanie Johnson examines the incorporation of hip hop into education, highlighting its role in culturally relevant teaching methods and its potential for shaping future generations.

Alexandria Community Remembrance Project Steering Committee - Dedicated to preserving and honoring Alexandria's diverse history, the ACRP works to raise awareness of past injustices and promote healing and reconciliation within the community.

For reasonable disability accommodation, contact Nicole Quinn at historicalexandria@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.4554, Virginia Relay 711.

If you prefer communication in another language, free interpretation and translation services are available to you, please email LanguageAccess@alexandriava.gov or call 703-746-3960.

Alexandria at 275: Connecting to our past to define a brighter future.

Since its 1749 founding, the historic city of Alexandria has played a major role in our nation’s story and reflected its progress toward inclusivity. Join us at events from April through September as we mark Alexandria’s 275th anniversary and embark on the next chapter in our city’s vibrant history at alexandriava.gov/ALX275.