What do hip hop and software engineering have in common? Both are part of Cisco employee Wayne White’s daily routine and his efforts to encourage students to stay in school and pursue higher education. In 2008, White, along with Cisco colleague Kuda Chanakira and Takura Mushipe, a financial professional from RTP, NC, took up the challenge of encouraging students in Durham, NC to get an education and consider a career in science, technology, engineering and math. Instead of turning to more traditional methods, like in-class presentations or job shadowing, the trio created a hip hop song and music video to deliver a powerful message about the value of education. CHECK OUT THE VIDEO “GET YOURZ”
White, Chanakira and Mushipe, who call their group Whyte Collar, wrote and recorded the song “Get Yourz” on a PC in Mushipe’s apartment, and edited it with a software program. After the song was completed, it made the rounds via email to a few enthusiastic educators and students for a first listen, and was soon forwarded to musician Christopher “Play” Martin, formerly of the hip hop group Kid N Play. Martin, who lives in Durham, NC, offered to work with the group to produce a music video for the song and, with the help of local educators, arranged for local elementary, middle and high school students to be featured. The video made its online debut in August 2009.
“Many youth today are not thinking far enough ahead to even want to go to college or put themselves in a position to have the grades to go to school,” said White. “We recorded Get Yourz to inspire youth. Hopefully, they’ll see professionals like us and say – that’s cool, who would know an engineer would know how to rap?”
White, Chanakira and Mushipe, along with Cisco employees nation-wide, plan to share the video with students during volunteering activities at local schools and on-campus visits by students.
“We want to expose students to the infinite possibilities for those who complete their education and look to science, technology, engineering and mathematics as a career,” said Rene Daughtry, national director of programs for the Cisco Black Employees Network. “Get Yourz has given us a great opportunity to leverage the talent of our employees in spreading this important message. “
In additonal current news…
North Carolina Central University has an official class titled Hip Hop in Context 101 that is taught by Author and Dr. William Smith PhD and Christopher “Play” Martin. The Hip Hop in Context 101 course at NCCU was created to promote academic education through positive hip hop energy, music and culture. In Martin’s interview with Monique he had the opportunity to share his goals and purpose for being a part of projects such as this.
In early January 2010 the Cisco Black Employee Network / CBEN joined North Carolina Central University for the advancement of education through hip hop. In a campaign titled “The Hip Hop Initiative” which was led by the release of the music video “Get Yourz” produced and performed by the hip hop group Whyte Colla that was directed and co-produced by Christopher Martin. The entire video, information about the program and donating is at www.GETYOURZ.tv
“Watching the change I realized that hip-hop is the language of the youth and thought why not speak to our youth through their own media. Deliver positive messages about life, staying in school and being successful by way of hip hop. Kirk Franklin and Ty Tribeck used hip hop influence to bring the lost youth back to the church,” saidRene Daughtery the Advance Services Technical Project Manager for CISCO and a member of the CBEN Governance Council.
In the midst of the anticipation for “The Monique Show” appearance, Kid’ n Play are celebrating the “20thAnniversary of House Party” a hip hop and film phenomenon. To promote hip hop education Christopher Martin is using this anniversary to inspire kids to know education is the key to success. Through high profile appearances he feels kids will openly take note and be encouraged to continue education and learn that the streets aren’t the answer.
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“Kids need encouragement from many directions. They need to know that many good things come from staying in school and staying out of trouble. The Cisco Black Employee Network, NCCU, and Christopher Martin deliver that message in a way kids can relate, understand, and enjoy. We at WLFL and WRDC appreciate these efforts and are proud to help bring the message to the community.” says Neal E. Davis general manager forWLFL/WRDC TV. The station will broadcast various 30 spots of the “Get Yourz” video.
Christopher “Play” Martin has become a committed representative for Durham, NC. Martin is also committed to having the title of an advocate for educational promotion and growth. Martin believes in the advancement of education using hip hop as a positive tool. Being a voice for the hip hop community as a Pioneer he is sure to capture the minds of today’s youth. With this appearance and his position at NCCU education for many has already become an option for success.
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Precious Cobb-Harrison
