The annual HHYRA Conference brings together youth from diverse communities for a day of workshops and interactions that revolve around the ideas of Hip Hop and social justice. The conference will take place on May 19th, 2020 at Rutgers University- New Brunswick and will feature workshops and presentations led by high school and college students whose proposals are reviewed and accepted by the HHYRA Youth Leadership Council.
The theme of this year’s conference is “Building Digital Communities for Social, Emotional, and Political Transformation.” We seek workshops, performances, and presentations (including visual art) from youth between the ages of 14 and 24 that explore the use of digital spaces and technology in fostering individual and collective healing and social change.
Applications for the 2020 HHYRA Conference propose a session of one of the following:
These sessions will be led by individuals or groups who are primarily between the ages of 14 and 24. Proposals should align with the goals and theme of the conference and should detail what will happen during the session and what participants might expect to learn.
Students whose workshop proposals are accepted will be invited to attend the Pre-Conference Leadership Training Institute at Rutgers University Inn and Conference Center on Monday, May 18th, 2020.
In order to propose a workshop, APPLY HERE or go directly to https://forms.gle/krGPHCMdWmV7LcXp9 to submit your proposal by 11:59pm on Saturday, February 15th, 2020.
*You can choose to submit a video proposal instead by linking your video submission in the “agenda” section of your proposal and writing N/A in the “audience takeaway” section.
*If submitting a performance proposal, link a website or sample of your work in the submission form.
*If you are submitting a piece of visual art, describe your piece and how it ties to the conference theme.
Sample Proposal
Name: Sofia Brown
Email: sofbrown@gmail.com
Location: New Brunswick, NJ
Title: Social Justice in Beyoncé’s Hip Hop Legacy
Description: Students will analyze and interpret the lyrics of superstar and advocate Beyoncé’s music. Students will find the hidden messages about female power, black feminism, equality, and social justice fabricated in her catchy tunes.
Strands: Music, Writing, Media Literacy
Proposal Type: Workshop
Agenda: (in Minutes)
0-5 Introduction to myself,
5-20 Analyzing two songs’ lyrics stanza by stanza
20-30 Watching the music videos for comparison
30-45 Discussing and comparing the songs hand in hand
45-60 Discussing major takeaways
Goals: Participants will walk away with a sharper understanding of how modern hip hop artists use their music to address societal issues. Will also strengthen analytical skills in interpreting popular music.
Presenter needs: Computer projector; Pencils and paper