We Found Hip Hop in partnership with The Yunion presents: 6th Annual Dilla Youth Day--Celebrating the life and legacy of James Dewitt “J Dilla” Yancey and acknowledging the 10th anniversary of Dilla's passing with exploration of the S.T.E.A.M (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) disciplines.
On Sunday February 12, 2017 at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. This year is very special because both of Dilla's daughters Ty-Monae' Whitlow and Jamya Yancey will be hosting the event for the first time. Ty-Monae' will also be performing.
This Maker Space will allow our youth to be able to make, print, and build any number of creative projects. They will be able to learn screen printing, make wearable art, create electronic music, do 3D modeling and 3D printing, and much more. After the kickoff event, we will become a mobile maker space that we will be able to bring to neighborhoods across Detroit.
Why are we creating a Youth Mobile Maker Space?
• Access to technology & information is of extreme importance to the development of our young people. This Mobile Maker Space will combine the unique genius traditions of Hip Hop’s powerful musical, visual, and performing arts, with the genius engineers, hackers, innovators of DIY Making. This will catalyze the energy of youth, teen and adult communities to create an experience of innovation in sound, lighting, and motion technology. • Our idea is based on the “Disco-Tech” (discovering technology) model created by The Detroit Digital Justice Technology Coalition that bridges the digital divide by helping underserved communities gain access to technology. • With the removal of Arts and Culture from many public schools and lack of exposure to S.T.E.A.M (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) disciplines, many children do not get to experience the excitement and possibility of these fields. • You can help us provide young people in our community an opportunity they don't get from their classroom experience: a chance to touch, make, & take home their own projects. It promises to be a fun, transformative experience.• Dilla Youth Day is a highlight of African American History Month for Detroit's young people. It helps them get excited about exploring the S.T.E.A.M (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) disciplines while recognizing a modern homegrown figure in Hip Hop.
About J Dilla
J Dilla is a significant African American Musical Producer who created the genre Neo-Soul and revolutionized the sound of 90's Hip Hop. He accelerated the careers of successful artists such as Erykah Badu, Common, Talib Kweli, DeLaSoul, Janet Jackson, and influenced many others up to our current generation.
How much does it cost the Youth?
NOTHING. There is no cost to youth groups who choose to participate. This is a wonderful opportunity to support Michigan's young people. Please help us bring this wonderful opportunity to 1,000 attendees on Dilla Youth Day--and then across Detroit.
Who Should Attend?
Parents, Caregivers, Families, Youth Workers, Youth Groups, Science Teams, Music Schools, Robotics Teams, Educators, Community Based Organizations, Faith-based Organizations, Media, Beat Makers, Music Lovers, Dilla Fans, DJ's, Emcees, B-Boys/B-Girls, Graph Writers, Hackers, Tinkerers, Scientists, Students, Music Producers, Computer Programmers, Innovators, Curators, Musicians, Artists, Prevention Workers, Teachers, Social Workers, and Anyone Interested in Improving Community Through ART, + You.
Participation can include but is not limited to one or more of the following:
- Hosting a hands-on open workstation
- Providing in-kind support
- Providing financial support
- Providing materials such as computers, arts supplies, sound equipment
- Attending with your youth group
- Volunteering
- Promoting the event
- Offering Media Services