Workshop

Facilitators of social change, the ReadNex Poetry Squad empowers the next generation through their innovative workshops that teach the historical and cultural significance of Hip-Hop and Poetry. By using Hip Hop and Poetry as a foundation and medium of communication, youth learn how to redirect their emotions positively, discover constructive self- expression and gain an in depth look on the impact of both art forms on their community and themselves.

To guide youth towards conscious Hip Hop and Poetry, the ReadNex Poetry Squad takes an educationally based path and helps students understand the world and issues that surround them. The misrepresentation of today's Hip Hop is clarified and the genre’s historical foundation and value as a socio-economic tool for empowerment is a strong focus.

By tapping into the vernacular of the youth, students engage in interactive activities that are both educational and enjoyable. They are then able to artistically structure their reactions and emotions in a safe and uplifting environment thus using Hip Hop and Poetry as an emotional conduit to elminate behavior such as drug use, violence, crime, etc.

Ultimately, youth are given a voice through Hip Hop and Poetry both in and out of the classroom. Workshop alumni have demonstrated increased class participation and in turn have shown academic improvement. The ties to education are consistent and strong throughout the workshop and activities include lyrical adaptation to school work, Hip Hop oriented phonetic and kinesthetic learning, using poetic devices for writing English essays and using Hip Hop and Poetry as a platform to understand academic subjects and convey sensitive topics in schools.

With a workshop repertoire that is diverse and customizable to any group or educational theme, youth are given a rare and unique learning opportunity that is unlike any other experience. They can obtain a greater understanding of Spoken Word Poetry, through the “Next to be Read” workshop or learn about how Hip Hop and Poetry can become operational tools to help them succeed in today's society through the “Hip Hop and Poetry Saved My Life” workshop.

Extensive workshops lasting 3 - 10 days are also offered and cover performance and delve deeper into the power and use of Hip Hop in the community. Here, the power and importance of females in and throughout Hip Hop is explored as well as brain functionality, using poetic devises to build the intellectual process, and team building through performance among other vital topics. In the end, youth leave the experience feeling empowered as building self-esteem and confidence is at the heart of each and every workshop!