Newsletter

On July 16, 2025 Mady Nadje and Jennifer Reyes of Everyday Canvassing and Rosemary Ramsey Granillo of the Kent County Local Management Board joined the students of the Hip Hop Time Capsule. The sessions are held at the Washington College’s Innovation Plant and offer students a transformative experience that blends history, hip hop, and hands-on creative innovation.

The series allows students to 

• gain hands-on experience in audio engineering, digital design, woodworking, mural art, spoken word, screenprinting 

• Build confidence in public speaking, resume writing, and professional development

• Work alongside college mentors and professionals in a dynamic, creative and safe space

During our visit we had the opportunity to have conversations with different groups of students while they were welding, painting, or screen printing. We asked the students “What would you like to see in Kent County?”. Students mentioned wanting to have more leisure activities like pottery, carnivals, and skate parks. There was a general sentiment that there are not many activities for youth or adults. Furthermore, many of the students mentioned that they do not plan to stay in Kent County after they graduate. One of the students mentioned wanting to move to Atlanta, GA for college.

After lunch we convened with the students and presented KNOCK! Chestertown. From this session we learned that the 3 top goals of the youth of Kent County were the following: 

1. Build more affordable housing in the community (goal)

2. Expand afterschool, summer and weekend enrichment for all ages (goal)

3. Create safe, supportive, and healing-centered environments (goal)

The feedback from the youth of Kent County offered valuable insight into the original question we asked the community which is “What would make Kent County the best place to be a kid?”.