Celebrating 50 years of hip hop

This year we are joining New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) residents and partners to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop! That’s right - this year marks the 50th anniversary of the birth of hip hop in the Bronx, and we want you to be a part of the celebration! This summer, we are going to tell the story of hip hop, from its origins on Sedgwick Avenue to the many NYCHA residents who have played a part in the most popular music genre of our time. Look for fun events, ticket giveaways, concerts and online storytelling to mark this important anniversary. Join us as we count down to the 50th anniversary of hip hop in August 2023!

The Public Housing Community Fund is on the lookout for 50 New Yorkers living in NYCHA communities to share their personal stories about what hip hop means to them.

Got a cool story? We'd love to hear it! Just follow these simple steps to submit your video:

1. Grab your phone and record a video in vertical 9:16 format. Make sure any light sources (like windows) are in front of you.

2. Find a quiet spot where we can hear your amazing story clearly.

3. Keep your video under 2 minutes and avoid using too much profanity or suggestive language.

4. Answer the following questions in your video:

What's your name and which housing development do you live in or did you live in?
Tell us a <1 minute story about what hip hop means to you.
Which of the 5 pillars of hip hop—emceeing, deejaying, breakin', graff, and beatboxing—is your favorite and why?
Complete this sentence with one word: “Hip hop is __________.” or “Hip hop means _________ to me.”

Once you're done, submit your video and you could be one of the 50 residents featured in our special content series online!

Our team will select a few EARLY SUBMISSIONS to receive fun prizes! Stay tuned for details and get your video in early!

How to submit your video:

Email your video either as an attachment, Google Drive/We Transfer/Dropbox or similar file transfer link to info@communityfund.nyc. We will reply once received and send you a photo/video waiver to complete. Final videos will only be posted with your approval and consent. Submissions will accepted on a rolling basis and final submissions are due on Friday, July 28, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.

If you have any questions, just hit us up at info@communityfund.nyc. We can't wait to see your stories and celebrate hip hop's 50th anniversary with you, NYCHA fam!

Download a shareable PDF with details here.

Attention NYCHA Residents - Tell Your Hip Hop Story

〰️

Attention NYCHA Residents - Tell Your Hip Hop Story 〰️

Public Housing Community Fund Hip Hop 50th Anniversary Celebration Video Submission Instructions for All Ages

We're excited to have NYCHA residents of all ages participate in our Hip Hop 50th Anniversary Celebration!

Get started on creating and submitting your video by following the instructions here. No worries, it's easy and fun! — We're excited to have NYCHA residents of all ages participate in our Hip Hop 50th Anniversary Celebration! Get started on creating and submitting your video by following the instructions here. No worries, it's easy and fun!

Step 1: Find the perfect spot

Choose a quiet, well-lit place where you can comfortably stand or sit.
Make sure any light sources, like windows, are in front of you (not behind) to avoid shadows on your face.
Avoid noisy areas where it's hard to hear — Step 1: Find the perfect spot Choose a quiet, well-lit place where you can comfortably stand or sit. Make sure any light sources, like windows, are in front of you (not behind) to avoid shadows on your face. Avoid noisy areas where it's hard to hear you speak.

Step 2: Set up your phone

Use your mobile phone to record the video.
Position your phone vertically (9:16 format) – like you're taking a selfie or making a video call.
You can hold the phone yourself, ask someone to hold it for you, or place it on a — Step 2: Set up your phone Use your mobile phone to record the video. Position your phone vertically (9:16 format) – like you're taking a selfie or making a video call. You can hold the phone yourself, ask someone to hold it for you, or place it on a stable surface at eye level.

Step 3: Record your video

Start by introducing yourself: "Hi, I'm [Your Name], and I live in [Your Housing Development]."
Share a story ( — Step 3: Record your video Start by introducing yourself: "Hi, I'm [Your Name], and I live in [Your Housing Development]." Share a story (<1 minute) about what hip hop means to you. Tell us your favorite pillar of hip hop (emceeing, deejaying, breakin', graff, or beatboxing) and why. Complete this sentence with one word: "Hip hop is __________." or “Hip hop means _________ to me.”

Step 4: Review your video

Watch your video to make sure your voice is clear, and the lighting is good.
Check that you've answered all the questions and followed the guidelines. — Step 4: Review your video Watch your video to make sure your voice is clear, and the lighting is good. Check that you've answered all the questions and followed the guidelines.

Step 5: Submit your video

Email your video either as an attachment, Google Drive/We Transfer/Dropbox or similar file transfer link to info@communityfund.nyc — Step 5: Submit your video Email your video either as an attachment, Google Drive/We Transfer/Dropbox or similar file transfer link to info@communityfund.nyc

And that's it! You've successfully submitted your video for the Hip Hop 50th Anniversary Celebration. We can't wait to see your stories and celebrate with you!

If you have any questions or need assistance, please email us at info@communityfund.nyc.

Good luck, and let's make this celebration unforgettable! — If you have any questions or need assistance, please email us at info@communityfund.nyc. Good luck, and let's make this celebration unforgettable!