User talk:Dconner302

Hip-Hop DevelopmentTM(HHD) is new terminology in the field of youth work. Coined by Dr. P. Thandi Hicks Harper in 2006, it represents a contemporary and emerging theory of change in the fields of youth development and youth engagement. The foundation of this school of thought emphasizes the role that Hip-Hop culture can play in constructively engaging young people, thus leading them to positive personal, social, educational, and spiritual development. According to Hicks Harper (2006), HHD recognizes Hip-Hop as: · An important integral part of Youth Development and Engagement Models; · A “new” strategy/tool which overlaps existing approaches in the field of youth work; · A catalyst for reaching youth where they are to facilitate making the right choices, revitalizing their neighborhoods, and influencing policy; · A means for allowing youth to bring their realities, ideas, choices, and communication styles to the forefront for positive change; · Playing a vital role in the development and engagement of youth with or without organizational or adult structure; and · Working for engaging, organizing and mobilizing youth in urban, suburban, and rural neighborhoods regardless of intent. Pittman (2006) responds to the inevitable apprehensions: "Hip-Hop Development? Many people my age (over 50) would consider this term an oxymoron. How can this loud, violent, misogynistic, materialistic culture contribute to the young people’s positive development? Shouldn’t youth workers be encouraging other forms of expression? Shouldn’t parents be concerned if the programs their children frequent encourage these aggressive art forms? Shouldn’t we all be concerned if prominent foundations, like the Annie E. Casey Foundation, are dignifying this culture by funding field research? The answer to the last three questions is a resounding no. Far from an oxymoron, Hip-Hop Development may be a redundancy. (p. ix)"

Dr. Hicks Harper’s theory of change and practical application forms the context and framework of the scienced-based curriculum Hip-Hop to Prevent Substance Abuse and HIV (H2P). This program curriculum was recently awarded placement on the country’s National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices. H2P was created through the integration of Project SUCCESS (School Using Coordinated Community Efforts to Strengthen Students), a DHHS Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Model Program, and BART (Becoming A Responsible Teen), a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention HIV Prevention Effective Program. H2P provides: (1) counseling and life skills training, (2) problem identification, (3) peer information dissemination, (4) normative and preventive education, and (5) community connections. The project goals are to reduce substance use and early sexual activity, increase family interactions, and increase participation in constructive recreational activity.

“Anyone who believes that they have a more powerful tool for motivating and engaging urban youth should read Hicks Harper’s descriptions of the history of Hip-Hop, reflect on her arguments about its relevance to all stages of youth engagement from service provision to organizing, and ponder the rich examples provided of programs that have embraced Hip-Hop DevelopmentTM as a core philosophy and practical strategy for achieving their mission.” Karen Pittman Executive Director, The Forum for Youth Investment

“If we as youth workers are going to provide guidance for this generation, we have got to embrace their tools, strategies, and approaches. The 21st century is about youth and adults connecting and collaborating for value creations. Hicks Harper provides the how in Hip-Hop DevelopmentTM.” Sylvia L. Quinton, Esq. Founder & CEO, Strategic Community Services, Inc.

“Foundations, in wanting to engage young people, need to educate ourselves on how Hip-Hop influences young people and how we then can make a positive difference in their lives through grant making. Dr. Hicks Harper provides a wealth of important information to get started. I believe there is a way you can communicate through Hip-Hop that will get young people to engage in community building, organizing, and participating in leadership activities.” Dr. Sherece West Chief Executive Officer, Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation

“Using Thandi Hicks Harper’s concept of Hip-Hop DevelopmentTM can bring young people into real positions of leadership and engagement. Young people are coming to Hip-Hop via the arts and as a result, the arts are becoming a gateway for politically engaging them in addressing the problems in their communities.” Bakari Kitwana Author of ''The Hip-Hop Generation: Young Blacks and the Crisis in African- American Culture, andWhy White Kids Love Hip-Hop''