MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) – Alabama Hip Hop Week, now in its 17th year, has officially begun, bringing a series of events designed to raise awareness about gun violence, financial literacy, and mental health, something Isaiyah Martin says is more important than ever.
“People are getting killed and thrown up in jail before they have their whole life planned,” said Martin.
The nonprofit organization, Opportunities 4 Entertainers, is playing a significant role in this year’s activities, which promise to engage and educate the community through the power of Hip Hop culture.
“It has a great a great influence on the kids,” said one of the event organizers, Kalenski Adams, also known as DJ Dirty Dan. “It has changed over the years and that’s why that’s why we’re still we’re doing because music has evolved so much.”
The weeklong series kicked off with a casual meetup of local DJs Monday, setting the stage for the official community kickoff Tuesday at Luan Park in the Cottage Hill community.
“What we want to do is keep that positivity going so that’s why we do Alabama hip hop week,” Adams adds.
Other events planned throughout the week include:
– Wednesday: Activities wil be held at Hillsdale Park and Community Center on Fellhorn. These events are exclusively for children currently participating in Mobile Parks and Recreations camps.
– Thursday: A youth talent show at Figures Park from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. They are calling for 10 performers, offering a $250 cash prize for first place winner and other prizes for second and third place winners.
– Friday: The week concludes with a family day at Taylor Park on Baltimore Street from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. This event will feature family of the late Arthur Ray Russell Jr., remembered for his contributions at WBLX 93 radio station, and will include appearances from scientists and astronauts from NASA.
“Ultimately, the goal is to make sure they understand that they have resources, people they can talk to, if they have any issues out here because that’s what they need right now. They just need somebody to hold their hand and give them some direction,” said Adams.
Attendance at all events is free and all but one is open to the public.
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