Last updated on March 25, 2015
by Cynthia Hernandez// Staff Writer
On Monday, March 2, Volunteer State Community College hosted a special presentation that attracted over 200 high school students from all over Sumner County.
Participating high schools included Beech, Gallatin, Hendersonville, Portland, Station Camp, and White House.
Dr. Michael Torrence, assistant vice president of Academic Affairs, lead the discussion titled “Effects of Hip-Hop on Society” in the Pickel Field Gymnasium.
The goal of the discussion was to “examine your environment with more awareness,” said Torrence.
During the presentation, he recognized five components of hip-hop: knowledge, dancing, MC-ing, DJ-ing, and graffiti.
Prizes were given to the students that participated in the discussion.
Some students showed off their dance moves and others showed their “freestyle” abilities.
“So often hip-hop music and the culture that surrounds it, are seen as negatives.
“I’m glad our students were able to learn the history and technicalities of the music they love, so that they can see all of the positives of hip-hop,” said Heather Adkins, an English teacher at Gallatin High School.
“The hip-hop event was very informative and a great avenue to bring the art form and culture of hip-hop to light.
“I believe students left with a new appreciation for the music genre and it’s correlation to the English language,” said Elizabeth Evans, choral director at Hendersonville High School.
This presentation was one in a special series of the One Book, One Community project.
The next presentation is scheduled for Thursday, March 19, at 12:30 p.m. in the Mary Cole Nichols Carpeted Dining Room (CDR) of Wood.
The discussion will focus on the low expectations of young African-American males.
The One Book, One Community culminating event will be held on Tuesday, March 24, from 6 – 8 p.m. in the Rochelle Center of Thigpen.
It is not too late to get your copy of “The Other Wes Moore” and join the discussion
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