The City of Dallas’ Office of Arts and Culture celebrates the 50-Year Anniversary of Hip-Hop

The Office of Arts and Culture (OAC) in collaboration with the Dallas Public Library and the Texas Theatre celebrates the 50-Year Anniversary of Hip-Hop with programming throughout the month of August that is free and open to the public. From Hip-Hop’s Jamaican roots in the Bronx, through its impact on Dallas, residents can partake in different activities at the cultural centers across the city. Residents will be able to collectively listen and discuss music with experts, attend film screenings, and experience a dance battle at the Oak Cliff Cultural Center. All programming is available on a first come, first served basis.

To mark the occasion, there will be a special presentation at 1 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023 at City Hall. There will be remarks by Director of the Office of Arts and Culture, Martine Elyse Philippe, music by DJ Christy Ray, a special presentation by Bavu Blakes, B-boy + B-girl Dance Cypher presented by RockSolid Crew and an artwork exhibition featuring work by Michael E. Johnson and the Sour Grapes Art Collective.

“This celebration will showcase and pay tribute to an outstanding lineup of acclaimed individuals who have contributed to hip-hop,” said Director Martine Elyse Philippe. “In commemoration of this milestone anniversary, OAC aims to honor the legacy and cultural impact of hip-hop over the past 50 years,” said Philippe.

The festivities kicked-off this week with a special screening of the We From Dallas (2014) documentary, followed by a panel discussion with special guests on Aug. 2, 2023 at the Latino Cultural Center. For a full list of events during the month of August visit: https://occc.dallasculture.org/celebrating-50-years-of-hip-hop/