A few months ago I made a connection with a grassroots youth center in Seattle’s Central District. (The “CD” is a historically black community facing the all-too common problem of poverty, and the violence and substance abuse that results when a community is marginalized and under-served.)
Community leaders took over 2 adjacent homes that were formerly self-medication facilities (i.e. crack houses) and are in the process of renovating the buildings into a positive community center for youth. They are building a Hip-Hop Communiversity: a place for kids to learn music and video production, web and computer skills, business savvy, fashion, and other culturally relevant, economically empowering skills.
A few days ago Wyking, one of the leaders, let me know that they are looking for teachers. So I emailed some of my media-savvy friends to see if there was any interest. The response was really great from my friends, who identify with electronic music culture. This could be a really great way to bridge the electronic music and hip-hop communities.
We’ll see where this all goes. Does anyone have experience with cross-cultural sharing? What are some important things to look out for? Strategies for building trust? Methods for ensuring good communication?
Cultivating Resilient Culture 