| Universal Hip Hop Parade | |
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Universal Hip Hop Parade logo |
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| Formation | 1999 |
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The Universal Hip Hop Parade (UHHP) is an annual family-friendly non-profit educational and cultural event held in the historically Black neighbourhood of Bedford Stuyvesant Brooklyn on the Saturday before the anniversary of Marcus Garvey's August 17 birthday to bring to mind that Marcus Garvey himself also used popular culture as a tool to empower people and encouraged the growth of Black institutions.
The parade holds the distinction of being the world's longest celebration of Hip-hop culture. It covers all the traditional elements of Hip hop including rappers, break dancers, singers and actors performing both on floats and on foot. Additionally, graffiti artists and deejay’s perform at different locations along the parade route.
The parade also presents other examples of the vibrant artistic and cultural life of the community including stilt walkers, motorcycle & van clubs, graffiti banner displays, marching bands, sound trucks, dancers and more. Additionally Hip-hop legends, elected officials, community activists and legendary MC’s have participated. The parade also serves to display the emerging neighborhood of Bedford Stuyvesant, including its arts, culture and growing commercial district the to residents from other neighborhoods of New York City as well as other visitors to the area. Local organizations showcase their artistic creativity, membership and colors while promoting their services, events and products. Neighborhood businesses and institutions along the route play music and distribute giveaways to help create a festive environment. Residents and visitors alike are urged to participate and join the parade procession..
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The Universal Hip Hop Parade was founded by Jeffery Kazembe Batts in the fall of 1999 to celebrate the African American cultural social activist roots of hip-hop culture. It is an outgrowth of the work of an erlier group, the Universal Nubian Association (UNA). Organizers come from across the NYC metropolitan area and have agreed to organize the UHHP in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn.
In addition to running the parade itself the nonprofit group Universal Hip-Hop Parade Foundation, Inc. also organizes forums, concerts, open-mike's, rallies, teach-ins and parties throughout the year.[1]
The foundation is funded through private donations and grants including the Greater New York Development Fund of the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, administrated by the Brooklyn Arts Council (BAC).
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