Universal Hip Hop Parade facts for kids
.jpg)
Universal Hip Hop Parade logo
|
|
| Formation | 1999 |
|---|---|
The Universal Hip Hop Parade (UHHP) is a big yearly event held in Bedford-Stuyvesant, a historic neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York City. It happens every year on the Saturday before August 17th, which is the birthday of Marcus Garvey. The parade reminds everyone that Marcus Garvey also used popular culture to help people feel strong and proud. He encouraged the growth of Black institutions.
This parade is known as the world's longest celebration of Hip-hop culture. It includes all the main parts of Hip hop, like rappers, break dancers, singers, and actors. They perform on special floats and also walk along the parade route. You can also see graffiti artists and deejay's showing off their skills at different spots.
The parade also features other exciting parts of the community's art and culture. You might see stilt walkers, cool motorcycle and van clubs, amazing graffiti banner displays, marching bands, and dancers. Many Hip-hop legends, important elected officials, and community activists have joined in.
The parade also helps show off the growing neighborhood of Bedford Stuyvesant. It highlights its art, culture, and busy shopping areas to people from other parts of New York City and to visitors. Local groups share their creativity and promote their services. Businesses along the route play music and give out free items. Everyone is invited to join the fun and walk in the parade!
History of the Parade
The Universal Hip Hop Parade was started in 1999. It was founded by Jeffery Kazembe Batts, Charles Barron, Freedom Williams, and many other activists. They wanted to celebrate the African American cultural and social activist roots of hip-hop culture. The idea for the parade grew from an earlier group called the Universal Nubian Association (UNA). People from all over the New York metropolitan area help organize the parade in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn.
From 2007 to 2011, and again from 2013 to 2014, Mike Hollywood Christie, also known as Dj Dr Hollywood, helped lead the parade. He helped the organization grow a lot. During his time, the parade reached its biggest audiences ever. He also helped organize monthly open mic events.
The group that runs the parade is a nonprofit organization called the Universal Hip-Hop Parade Foundation, Inc. Besides the parade, they also put on other events all year. These include discussions, concerts, open-mic nights, and parties.
The foundation gets its money from private donations and special grants. One of these grants comes from the Greater New York Development Fund. This fund is part of the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and is managed by the Brooklyn Arts Council (BAC).
More to Explore
- Brooklyn
- Bedford Stuyvesant
- Marcus Garvey
- Hip hop culture
