“I don’t want to wake up one day and hip hop is just some ‘theme’ created by the media with no culture, no lineage and no value, that, to me, would do an entire generation a disservice. ~Pamela Mitchell
TheBlackManCan has a strong belief that Hip Hop Scholarship is of the utmost importance. It is our honor and pleasure to introduce our next Exquisite Woman feature. We would like to introduce to you Pamela Mitchell the founder of Hip Hop Scholars. Pamela Mitchell instituted her Hip Hop Scholars (HHS) program as a means of improving students’ testing, listening and study skills. Pamela sits down with TheBlackManCan to discuss the growth of Hip Hop Scholars, The New SWAG and the national Hip Hop Scholars Competition.
TheBlackManCan: Can you pinpoint what sparked your interest to establish a program such as Hip Hop Scholars?
PM: I produced several television shows, and interviewed countless major artist prior to working with in a level 5 special ed. setting. I wrote a program called “Media and Me” in 2003. Which included Hip-Hop Trivia. I wanted to take what I knew about TV to produce innovating programming for youth!! After spending a few years in the classroom and witnessing what did not work, I proved time and time again that Hip-Hop Scholars works. It was only natural for me to see envision it as a television show probably the day I wrote it, but it would take time and a great team to develop. James Wiggins my partner and M2Management my manager.
TheBlackManCan: Tell us more about Hip Hop Scholars Mentors and Hip Hop Scholars Study Guide.
PM: It made since to create a online study guide as our goal was always to offer Hip-Hop Scholars as a tool to encourage students to embrace technology and study.
(Mentoring) Please ref. to the website www.hhscholars.org
TheBlackManCan: I love the concept of “The New Swag.” What is it and how can it be achieved?
PM: We require our students conduct themselves as scholars. So we redefined Swag to mean academic success and community involvement (The New Swag) is actually a document that outlines a code of conduct for participants.
Please ref. to the website. www.hhscholars.org
TheBlackManCan: Hip Hop Scholars connects academics and an innovative culture to provide its participants with skills that are utilized in the classroom. Tell us why both these concepts are important?
PM: Yes, The best way to learn is through fun activities. Hip-Hop Scholars offers 21st Century methods to improve skills and strengthen students academic ability while building confidence and self esteem. “Hip-Hop Scholars” reinforces concepts taught at their respective institutions and connects academics best practices with a culture innovative enough to hold their interest.
Hip-Hop Scholars is fun and it’s academic!! As our parent use to say… I wish you knew your school work like you know those lyrics.
TheBlackManCan: What are some of the major supporters of Hip Hop Scholars?
PM: Our best supports to date have been teachers around the country and mentors. We are now experiencing an influx of community leaders, entertainers, and a few sponsors. Network television was the first to support the idea and it just grew from there.
TheBlackManCan: Can you give us a breakdown of how Hip Hop Scholars works and how one can get involved?
PM: (Mentors) Please ref. to the website. www.hhscholars.org
TheBlackManCan: Tell us about the National Hip Hop Scholars competition?
PM: The competition will bring students from all over the country to Washington D.C. to compete. We provide the content and subject outline on a monthly basis and students and their mentors are encourage to study to prepare. The student who studies the most will win the grand prize.
TheBlackManCan: What does Hip Hop mean to you and how do you define Hip Hop?
PM: From an educators perspective Hip-Hop is just another subject to me! I can use the same methods to teach any subject, and being as though it’s a competition the most prepared scholars will learn. That’s encouragement enough.
Hip-Hop Scholars is American. American born and American bred culture that will be studied around the world for many generations. Hip-Hop is a direct reflection of the history black America. We own this history, and have a responsibility to insure our children know this history inside and out!! Not just the latest media blurb.
TheBlackManCan: I love the quote “All of our children may not become Rock Stars, but they All can become Scholars.” Why must we embrace this concept and put it into action?
PM: The outlets to become a “Rock Stars” or a Entertainer of any type is not readily available to everyone, but the opportunity to obtain a education regardless of the school conditions or circumstances is available to all! We encourage everyone to take advantage and build off of the resources available in their community.
TheBlackManCan: Why is Hip Hop Scholarship Important?
PM: In-Class Solution is a thriving network of in youth programs, non-profit organizations, community leaders, industry, and educators dedicated to the growth and development children all over the world! Hip-Hop Scholars is important because it is ACADEMIC, and it will create a balance in the culture and music industry. Right now the culture is one sided. We have music promoting all the ills of society, and “Rappers” going in and out of jail daily.
We want to add great academic achievement and scholars to that list.
TheBlackManCan: What words of advice do you have for the youth?
PM: I would advise students to follow their muse, because it’s the best way to train yourself to learn. And of course to be of service. Find a way to help others and they will discover their purpose.
Hip-Hop Scholars is a Competition!! So we are constantly challenging our students.
Hip-Hop Scholars Accomplishments…
August 2009: Jay Wigs debuted on Facebook a daily Hip-Hop Scholars Trivia Q & A offering a monthly prize to the person who answered the most questions correctly.
December 2009: Hip-Hop Scholars Debuted on Twitter becoming a viable source of education news
December 2009: The New Swag Debuted on Twitter offer a daily Hip-Hop Q & A
December 2009: Hip-Hop Scholars Classes were offer at Maya Angelou Public Charter Middle Schools
August 2009: Hip-Hop Scholars Website launched
August 2010: Hip-Hop Scholars Registration circulated around the country bringing a host of followers and mentors to the program.
September 2010: Hip-Hop Scholars Classes offered at Maya Angelou Public Charter High Schools
January 2011: Hip-Hop Scholars industry promoted school events in support of Hip-Hop Scholars all over the country.
“We as black men must carry and tell the life long story and uplift black women whenever we have opportunity to do so”, theblackmancan.org has a firm belief that this holds true. Throughout the world there are exquisite women who are making remarkable contributions to society. We want to take the time to highlight an exquisite woman each week. If you know a woman that should be featured please send an email to theblackmancan@gmail.com In that email please state who you are and why you are nominating this person. Please leave your contact information and the contact information of the individual you are nominating.
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