MILWAUKEE – Today, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the birth of hip-hop music. State Representative Supreme Moore Omokunde offered the following statement to commemorate this historic anniversary:
“On August 11, 1973, at a Back To School Jam organized by his sister Cindy Campbell, and held at the recreation room of 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in the Bronx, New York, Clive “DJ Kool Herc” Campbell introduced his innovative style of disk jockeying, together with the master of ceremonies engaging the crowd with rap on the microphone while partygoers known as B-boys and B-girls danced. This introduced a new style, later known as Hip-hop, which combined the elements of a disk jockey (now just known as a DJ), a master of ceremonies (now known as an MC), music, art, fashion, and dance.
“From its humble beginnings in New York City, Hip-hop has become a culture for communities across the United States, and is now a worldwide phenomenon. Hip-hop artists and supporters, originally of African heritage, now transcend many different ages, ethnicities, religions, locations, political affiliations, and socioeconomic statuses, which demonstrates the melting-pot quality of Hip-hop art and culture. Since its inception, Hip-hop has inspired generations of young people to express themselves and celebrate their culture, and has greatly contributed to the entertainment and cultural enrichment of our community and the entire state of Wisconsin.”
Representative Moore Omokunde represents the 17th Assembly District on the North and Northwest sides of Milwaukee.
