MESSAGE FROM HHTF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CLYDE VALENTIN The second annual "I Got Five On It!" Campaign HHTF Fam,
Just last week I had the privilege of watching Hip-Hop theater artist Marc Bamuthi Joseph and filmmaker Eli Jacob Fantauzzi work with a small group of students from our partner high school in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn Community Arts & Media High School (BCAM).
Bamuthi and Eli guided these students to craft their own stories and poems via short videos and blogs that would later be distributed through the touring of Bamuthi's newest play, the break/s. In one generation we have witnessed Hip-Hop leap from the turntables into the classroom, then into theater, (or, from the radio to the theater then back to the classroom). This is the same music my father (RIP) kept telling me was just a fad.
Back when I was in high school, I remember taking a field trip to see a production of King Lear at the Bowery Lane Theater. At 15 years old, I was already making my own money all over New York City, and probably knew way too much for a 15 year old. But on the humble, I had never seen anything like that play, the daughters, the jester, all the mysticism and tragedy, it was all very compelling to me and resonates to this day.
While I was in college, this love for storytelling inspired me to produce plays with La Raza productions. After graduation, I took storytelling into the publishing industry with Stress Magazine. Years later, I helped produce the first NYC Hip-Hop Theater Festival with Danny Hoch.
Last week as I watched those young people in BCAM, just blocks away from where many of my homeboys grew up, I felt so humbled by the reality that the vision I slowly crafted for myself and the role I wanted to play in the world was beginning to take shape.These young people were learning the skills to tell their own stories, learning the very essence of what amazed me at the Bowery Lane Theater back in the day. Except this time, the story wasn't about a king and his daughters. These kids were creating stories about themselves.
In our eighth year, and in our country's worst economic downturn, Hip-Hop Theater Festival (HHTF) strives to continue this work. But we can't move forward without the support of people like you who care about our culture and the tremendous impact it has on our young people.
Please join is in our annual "I Got Five On It!" campaign. Any amount, from five dollars to five digits will help. (See below how your gift, no matter the size, ,makes an impact.) With your contribution, we can change the way our classrooms are taught and continue to bring our stories to the stage.
I look forward to your support.
Clyde Valentin
Executive Director, HHTF
GOT FIVE ON IT? Each year, we ask supporters of HHTF for Five On It! It's our annual appeal that allows us to bring Hip-Hop theater to the classroom and the stage.
This year our goal is to raise $30,000 in the month of November. If everyone on this email list gave just five dollars, we would make our goal.
HHTF relies on the support from individuals. No matter how big or small, your contribution moves the work of HHTF forward.
- $5 says you "Got Five On It!"
- $25 sends a New York City public high school student to a Hip-Hop Theater Festival production free-of-charge.
- $100 covers the stipend for a new Hip-Hop Theater Festival Youth Ambassador internship during the festival.
- $500 underwrites a panel of artists, educators, and public figures addressing the intersection of Hip-Hop art, race, class and gender.
- $1000 allows an emerging artist to present his/her new work at the Hip-Hop Theater Festival.
All contributions are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. If you prefer to send a check, please make your check payable to: Hip-Hop Theater Festival and mail it to the following address:
HHTF
57 Thames Street 4B
Brooklyn, NY 11237
ATTN: I Got Five On It