By Black Headline News
Congress declared November, National Hip-Hop History Month in 2021. The bill, co-sponsored by Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) and Congressman Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) under the leadership of Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) was created to recognize and celebrate Hip-Hops lasting influence on American culture.
On Black Headline News as an ode to National Hip-Hop History Month, Black News Link explores the beginnings of hip-hop in two 75-minute parts one and two: Hip-hop is a subculture and an art movement that emerged from the Bronx in New York City during the early 1970s. Its development reflected the negative effects of post-industrial decline, political discourse, and a rapidly changing economy.
Looking back to New York City during this era, we see an economic collapse. The city’s economy was falling apart due to the decline of the manufacturing industry and construction of the Cross Bronx Expressway. Much of the white middle class moved to the suburbs to escape the social and economic challenges. The migration shifted demographics and segregated communities. Conditions worsened in neighborhoods prominently populated by African-Americans, Puerto Ricans, and Caribbean immigrants. Urban despair also brought rising crime, gang violence, and poverty.
Watch part one of this in-depth discussion about the humble beginning of the hip-hop era with Black press members a part of Black News Link: Chicago News Weekly managing editor, Danielle Sanders; Steven Samuel, owner of historic hip-hop news website, SOHH.com; publisher, Rina Risper and Mr. Cleveland of The New Citizens Press; Texas Metro News Publisher Cheryl Smith and moderator and AMPTV executive producer, Julia Dudley Najieb.
