Last week Dr Meachum (Meach) joined us to teach us about the Hip Hop Literacy Program which started initially as a celebration of African American Culture that was the brainchild of UNI Professor Al Hays. Meach took us through the program's humble beginnings at Mt Carmel Baptist Church, it's collaboration with Waterloo Public Schools and Cunningham Elementary, all the way to their opportunity to perform in China at an International Festival! Students in the program get to be part of an expansive learning culture that includes creating beats, writing "bars" (lyrics), and recording in a professional studio. They are also broadcast on the Young Artist's Radio Network and are exposed to additional learning opportunities through the Waterloo Career Center. We thank Meach for getting us all "rapped" up in his presentation and for helping to provide this amazing program to students in our community!