The Paragon Project: Transforming Lives through Hip-Hop Education
During my student teaching in a third-grade classroom in Tallahassee, FL, I learned the transformative power of hip-hop education. Ms. Woodbury, my mentor, had a knack for reaching the toughest students. When a troubled boy in her class kept his head down, she advised, “If that boy wants to sleep, let him sleep. You don’t know what’s going on in his life.” Later, we discovered he was contemplating suicide, and I was asked to intervene.
Using my music background, I engaged the class by creating a song called “I Love Myself.” I also integrated spelling and math into drum patterns with my beat machines, the classroom thrived, and students excelled. This experience sparked my career as a hip-hop educator.
In Columbus Ohio, I developed a more sophisticated version of this approach called Paragon Project. I worked with Black and Brown students of all gender identities. Our themes, like women’s empowerment, emerged from the students' stories. Young ladies in the group highlighted critical issues such as mental health and abuse, adding depth to their content.
My hip-hop cultural continuum, a pyramid model, explains learning: observers at the base, consumers in the middle, and creators at the top. Transforming students from consumers to creators leads to deeper understanding and engagement. Hip-hop education isn’t about diluting content; it’s about inspiring passion and critical thinking.
Having toured with the Paragon Project and Bassline Entertainment before them, I've been fortunate to help youth produce and perform music that educates others about their experiences. The Paragon Project's latest album, Add-A-Lesson, tells the story of a fictional high school student facing trauma, allowing students to express their emotions and educate others about urban youth realities. By turning students into creators, we foster transformation and deeper engagement.
Currently I am managing an Afro fusion artist named DrippDaDon who through his music desires to bridge cultural gaps around the world. Please check him out on all social media platforms.
댓글