My story about the time I met the Notorious B.I.G. at BET in 1993. I was on stage while he spit a few bars to open the show.
My story about the time I met the Notorious B.I.G. at BET in 1993. I was on stage while he spit a few bars to open the show.
J
ust a short discussion on a topic that goes over many people's heads; The ever elusive, very illusive Black/Brown Coalition. The fact is that prior to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the people we refer to as Latinos identified as White or Caucasian. In 1930 the term "Mexican-American" was added to the U.S. Census; It was quickly changed back to White amid protest from community leaders.
However, with the advent of Civil Right and the opportunity to cash in on unearned benefits many White Latinos were compelled to identify as Hispanic and ultimately as People of Color (POC), as an all encompassing brand for anyone with melanated skin - even if they identified as White or Caucasian when it benefits them.
Bill Money: Real Recognize Real
Students of Venezuela's El Sistema in Rehearsal.
Modeled on El Sistema, Venezuela’s National System Of Youth And Children’s Orchestras, the Atlanta Music Project is a 5-day-a-week, after-school, youth orchestra and choir program targeting under served communities in metropolitan Atlanta. Founded in February 2010, the Atlanta Music Project is a tax-exempt, 501(c)3 organization.
AMP believes the pursuit of musical excellence leads to the development of confidence, creativity and ambition, thus sparking positive social change in the individuals and the communities we serve.
“To inspire social change by providing Atlanta’s under served youth the opportunity to learn and perform music in orchestras and choirs. ”
Our pilot program takes place at the Gilbert House, a cultural center operated by the City Of Atlanta Office Of Cultural Affairs. AMP classes include orchestra, choir, musicianship, African drum/dance and group lessons in the following orchestral instruments: violin, viola, cello, bass, flute, clarinet, trumpet and trombone. As AMP expands, we will offer oboe, bassoon, French horn, tuba and orchestral percussion. Master classes and workshops are held regularly. Performance is a big part of how we achieve our mission, so our students perform in concerts several times throughout the year. Every AMP student is provided with their own instrument.
AMP cello students pose for a picture during their group lesson.