Black Genius in Flight Celebrates Juneteenth with An Ode to 50 Years of Hip-Hop

By Kristen Hernandez

Black Genius in flight showcased an unforgettable Juneteenth “edu-tainment” event, “An Ode to 50 Years of Hip Hop,” at L.A. Lee YMCA/Mizell Community Center, 1409 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderdale.

“A lot of people still don’t know what Juneteenth is, so through events like this, we celebrate and promote African American tradition through art, through poetry, and through live performances,” Akilah Gibbs, secretary and board member of Black Genius in Flight, said.

Each of the organic elements of hip-hop were celebrated in separate stations, or “experiences.”

50 Years of Hip Hop – The Experiences – It Goes a Little Something Like This

The Parking Lot Experience and The Lobby Experience – Visual Art, Fashion, Photography

Local graffiti artist, Mars, created a rolling wall mural steeped in ole’ school lettering, colors and style. Graffiti has played a significant role in hip-hop culture as a means for poor and underserved minorities to have a creative outlet for their artwork, with just a few bottles of spray paint.

The rolling mural experience transitioned seamlessly into L.A. Lee YMCA/Mizell’s lobby. A pop-up fashion show and blue velvet carpet lined the entrance way. Displayed along the sides were several artistic photographic images of young ones dressed as 90’s hip hop icons, Kid N’ Play and SWV.

Local photographer, J. Lash, created the still photo gallery of 90’s culture, which served to remind the younger generation about the pioneers who helped to shape the rap and hip-hop we know today. Lined along the upstairs lobby was a continuation of the photographic display, but with candid images of hip-hop superstars like Queen Latifa and Fat Joe.

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