The Milwaukee Common Council approved a resolution Tuesday morning that recognizes August 17-22, 2020 as Hip-Hop Week MKE. This will be Hip-Hop Week MKE’s third year of bringing a ton of hip-hop-focused concerts, films, discussions, workshops, and events to Milwaukee’s late summer calendar. A reminder: this summer is going to be a big one.
The 2020 schedule of events has yet to be announced. In the meantime, get a taste of what will likely be in store by checking out last year’s schedule. You can read Tuesday’s resolution (sponsored by Alderman Khalif Rainey) below.
Whereas, Hip-hop originated as a cultural movement in the early 1970s as a response to the social and economic disparities in black and Latino communities throughout the United States; and
Whereas, Hip-hop was created to promote peace, love and unity to overcome negativity plaguing inner-city streets; and
Whereas, Milwaukee hip-hop dates back to the early 1980s on the city’s North Side; and
Whereas, Hip-hop has grown to shape much of American culture and is widely accepted as an essential art form for critiquing, influencing and reflecting on American society; and
Whereas, Milwaukee has produced notable hip-hop artists and producers who have contributed to the genre on a national level; and
Whereas, Hip-Hop Week MKE aims to highlight Hip-Hop’s legacy as an agent of artistic progression, community building and social change; and
Whereas, Hip-Hop Week MKE will focus on financial literacy, civic engagement, voter registration and healthy living; and
Whereas, Hip-Hop Week MKE seeks to promote partnership with schools, local and national community groups to use Hip-Hop as a tool to teach youth and adults about financial literacy, political awareness and health issues affecting the city population; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the Common Council designates August 17-22, 2020 as Hip-Hop Week MKE in the City of Milwaukee; and, be it
Further Resolved, That City departments are directed to assist as necessary to make the annual Hip-Hop MKE program a successful event.