MKE Hip Hop Archives Project is a collaborative effort between TRUE Skool and the Wisconsin Black Historical Society Museum.
Intricately tied to the ongoing celebration of Hip Hop's 50th Anniversary. This milestone in Hip Hop's history marks more than five decades of a global movement that has had a profound impact on every aspect of music, business, fashion, education and socio-political discourse.
As we embark on this journey to preserve and celebrate Milwaukee's unique Hip Hop Culture, the context of the 50th anniversary provides both inspiration and urgency.
It provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the evolution of Hip Hop Culture and its role in shaping our future schools, museums and communities. By anchoring our project within this context, we acknowledge that we are not merely preserving the past; we are actually contributing to the next level of true and living history.
By launching our project at very public events on the weekend of August 11th, 2023 the ‘Birthdate’ of Hip Hop, we engaged with a broad network of local Hip Hop enthusiasts, journalists, artists, and institutions who are also celebrating and reflecting on the culture's impact. This creates a lasting sense of solidarity and shared purpose.
Our project also prompts us to consider the legacy we are creating for future generations. We want to ensure that the stories, artifacts, and memories we collect today become an enduring legacy for Milwaukee's Hip Hop community and the young generations understand better the value of preserving our stories in this fast-paced disposable social media world.
MKE Hip Hop Archives Project will include party and event flyers, Album artwork, photographs, sound and video recordings, media publications, and advertising. We will seek information from Hip Hop practitioners such as DJ’s, photographers, filmmakers, dancers, artists, journalists, producers, independent labels, managers, educators, authors, entrepreneurs and observers/consumers.
What else should be included?