This year has presented many challenges for our nation; us included. In the process of adapting to the changes, the regularity of our newsletter has suffered a bit. So let’s bring you up to speed on what’s been happening over the course of the past few months.
In April, we piloted a virtual version of our B.A.R.S. (Beats And Rhymes Sessions) program in Google Classrooms. With a pandemic looming, we decided to completely transition our programming online. Although, much of the work we do thrives on personal relationships., the online environment has allowed to stay connected synchronously and asynchronously. Since we transitioned to online environment we have experienced high levels of participation and engagement, and a seemingly constant of Instagram messages. Be on the look out for new projects coming from our recent cohort of students.
This year we had four seniors graduate from high school this year. Although this year presented many adjustments for students across the nation, we are proud of their tremendous achievements. Several of the students remarked on how the regularity of B.A.R.S class meetings provided stability when they needed it most.
Over the summer, we also engaged in some positive discussions with Lansing School District and Communities in Schools, which we hope will lead to some meaningful opportunities in the future. The preparation for those meetings laid the ground work for some exciting discussions regarding the future of AOTA. We will keep you updated as we begin to implement our vision in 2021.
Although the pandemic has made it difficult to be as present in the creative scene, many of the artists in the AOTA Creative community have continued to bring you art, culture, and great creative content. The images below represent just some of online performances, projects, and socially distanced engagements that took place this year.
Living room Rap Concerts
AOTA Alumni project
From Driveway Chalk art
Tutorial Videos
Grants, Awards, and Donations
We began the year with 6 grants pending, but after a 1st quarter that led off with a global pandemic and social unrest, the priorities of prospective funders had to realign with the times. However, the support we received from individual supporters and these donors kept us in the black. So we would like to recognize a few of the supporters who came through for us in the clutch:
The Arts Council of Greater Lansing provided a $500 mini grant to fund a collaboration with the Poetry Room, called Finding Forever. Youth from the Poetry Room and AOTA opened up for Slam Poetry legend, Beau Sia. The students were able to receive a small stipend for their participation
We were awarded a $10,000 Restart grant through LEAP, which helped to stabilize our programming and pay instructors
As a gesture of their commitment to the communities they serve, the Capital City Market awarded AOTA a $3,000 donation along with four other non-profits.
Special shout outs to all the people who supported Jahshua Smith’s birthday fundraiser to help him raise $520 this year. I would also like to thank those who helped me (Rashad Muhammad) raise $330 on my birthday.
Despite 2020 being a year of so much turmoil, we at All of the Above Hip Hop Academy have nothing but gratitude for the ongoing dedication and support that the Lansing community has shown us. This year we want to put the focus on the people who are the the driving force behind the success our program; our instructors. The loss of gig income has hit the artist community especially hard this year. In spite of it all, Instructor commitment to our students has not waivered. So from December 13th - 20th all of our proceeds will go to support our instructors.
You can support this campaign by clicking on the following link: https://aotahiphop.givingfuel.com/aotahiphopgivingfuelcom.
Thanks again for your continued support. We wish you happy holidays and a safe, peaceful end to 2020.
Finally!
Rashad Muhammad
AOTA Board President
