Founded in 2003 by Tamekia Flowers-Holland, Hip Hop 4 Life is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that seeks to serve young people ages 12-18 with a special emphasis on those residing in at-risk environments by offering young people life skills training, while infusing the education of important health-related issues.
their mission is to build confidence and sound judgment in young people so they can not only achieve their utmost potential but also become proactive members and leaders within their communities. With year-round mentoring, social and educational activities and interactive life skills training/health-risk prevention workshops they are truly laying foundations for the future.
R&B Artist Chrisette Michelle performs at Hip Hop 4 Life & BET Rap-It-Up Youth Empowerment Event
Soulja Boy, Sammie & Mike Jones represent at Man UP! program, sponsored by BET Rap-It-Up and Hot 97
by incorporating the presence and support of celebrities, as well as health, corporate and entertainment professionals these young people are exposed to options. options for themselves, their future, and their communities that prove to be alternatives to what they are presented with everyday via mass media, their neighborhoods and other influences that may not be the most positive.
and Tamekia does not do it alone! there are so many incredible people involved in making Hip Hop 4 Life's mission and dream a reality:
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chairman
Nicole Tucker, Darkreign
Vice-Chair
Natasha Aarons, Promotions Executive
Secretary
Melissa Pressley, Deutsche Bank
Treasurer
Edwin Warren, Bank of America
Members at Large
Dr. Nafeesah Antwine, Associate Psychotherapist
Tamika Blockett, Nickelodeon chatting with Tamekia Flowers-Holland, she explained a bit more to me about the organization.. me: what was the catalyst for Hip Hop 4 Life? Tamekia Flowers-Holland: Prior to starting Hip Hop 4 Life, I volunteered with several community-based organizations and saw that young people were really struggling with low self-esteem, obstacles within their communities, peer-pressure, and inadequate information about health issues. Many young people go through their teen years and enter adulthood without learning the basic life skills or developing the confidence that can propel them to success. As a result, young people are dropping out of high school at alarming rates. They are falling victim to homicide, teen pregnancy, HIV/AIDS, drug abuse, suicide, crime, dating violence and negative perceptions about themselves and others. It is for this reason that Hip Hop 4 Life is deeply committed to providing programming which consistently exposes young people to opportunities that take them beyond their neighborhoods and foster education, self-confidence, growth and a profound desire to achieve. Thus Hip Hop 4 Life was born!
me: what are some of the programs that Hip Hop 4 Life offers to the youth?
Tamekia Flowers-Holland: Hip Hop 4 Life offers our Empowerment Team members (young people who sign up directly to Hip Hop 4 Life) year-round mentoring, social and educational activities and interactive life skills and health-risk prevention workshops that integrate health professionals, entertainment executives, sports executives and notable celebrity involvement. We serve young people ages 12-18, with a special emphasis on those residing in at-risk environments. Some of our topics addressed are self-esteem, dining etiquette, sexual health, grooming, hygiene, defining your image and style, peer-pressure, college/career planning, financial health and how to conduct yourself on the internet and social networking sites, to name a few. We provide the platform for expression, discussion and enlightenment on the issues they are experiencing in a non-judgmental setting. Our programs are also offered to schools and community-based organizations as one-day sessions.
me: if you could let the world know one thing about Hip Hop 4 Life, what would it be?
Tamekia Flowers-Holland: Hip Hop 4 Life’s core team consists of successful professionals within the Hip Hop entertainment and youth culture markets. Therefore, we possess a highly knowledgeable understanding of formats and experiences to which young people will be receptive. This knowledge, along with significant input from our teen Youth Advisors, allows for us to create programs and events that are engaging and educational. I am really proud about the fact that Hip Hop 4 Life’s ability to immediately engage youth is one of our unique attributes.
me: where can people send donations or correspondence?
Tamekia Flowers-Holland: Please visit our “Make A Difference” or “Contact Us” pages on our website HipHop4Lifeonline.com
there you have it folks! for those who say the Hip Hop Community doesn't care and all we do is talk about guns, drugs and cars..you direct them to Hip Hop 4 Life! these peoples are dedicating their time and efforts to make the world a better place, so let's show them that we care too! stop by the website, volunteer your time, tell a friend or just ask yourself, what can I do? what can I contribute to Hip Hop, to the world, to life?
this week's feature made me feel good, inside. these sistas are FRESH because they are doing something FRESH and in the process creating FRESH perspectives for tomorrow!
so til next week, y'all! more details coming soon for the next "She's So Fresh" Showcase on NOVEMBER 5th! we're still accepting sponsorships, so if you're interested in being a sponsor, hit a sista on twitter and I will send you the info! so save the date because if you wanna see FRESH Women MC's then you'll wanna be there!
peaceandblessings
rox
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