PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA – The Long Beach Public Library will recognize the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop culture with a series of celebratory events this September and October. The Hip Hop Celebration: 50th Anniversary Series commemorates the influential history of Hip Hop, both in Long Beach and worldwide, and showcases its four fundamental elements: breakdancing, DJing, MCing and art. The program series will commence with a kickoff celebration event taking place from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 23, at the Recreation Park (4900 E. 7th St.) bandshell, followed by a five-week workshop series for tweens and teens.

"Long Beach has a deep connection to the roots of West Coast Hip Hop. We are incredibly excited to mark this historic occasion and honor the genre’s incredible journey over the past five decades," said Mayor Rex Richardson. "This celebration is not only a tribute to the culture's rich heritage but also an opportunity to inspire and empower the next generation of artists and enthusiasts."

Hip Hop, as an art form, has transcended boundaries and made a profound impact on communities worldwide. The Hip Hop Celebration: 50th Anniversary Series offers an exciting lineup of activities and performances that pay tribute to the vibrant culture and significant impact of Hip Hop. The kickoff event on Sept. 23 will be a celebration for all ages, featuring music, an engaging panel discussion with industry experts, special guest appearances, and a teen dance competition. Following this event, the Hip Hop Celebration will continue with a five-week workshop series tailor-made for tweens and teens. These workshops will provide participants with hands-on learning experiences and a chance to explore and hone their skills in the four elements of Hip Hop. Each workshop will feature local artists to teach their art form and provide an interactive experience for participants.

"Through the workshop series, the Library aims to foster creativity, self-expression and teamwork within our community's young minds," said Director of Library Services Cathy De Leon. "We hope to create an inclusive space where participants can cultivate their passion for Hip Hop and embrace the spirit of collaboration that this culture embodies."

The Hip Hop Celebration: 50th Anniversary Series’ Hip Hop Elements Workshops for tweens and teens include:

• DJing & Producing, Thursday, Sept. 28, 4 to 6 p.m. – Teens and tweens will learn the elements of DJing and producing through the production of sounds. Learn how to create fat synth basslines and soulful keys! Taking place at Los Altos Library (5614 E. Britton Dr.).

• Street Art & Music, Tuesday, Oct. 3, 4 to 6 p.m. – Teens and tweens will get hands-on and learn the basics of the bright, graphic image street art that is graffiti. Taking place at Harte Library (1595 W. Willow St.).

• Street Art & Music, Tuesday, Oct. 10, 4 to 6 p.m. – A continuation of the Oct. 3 workshop, teens and tweens will get hands-on and learn the basics of the bright, graphic image street art that is graffiti. Taking place at Harte Library (1595 W. Willow St.).

• MCing & Music, Tuesday, Oct. 17, 4 to 6 p.m. – Teens and tweens will learn the elements of DJing and MCing. Become a master lyricist through rhyme and rhythm! Taking place at Burnett Library (560 E. Hill St.).

• Break Dancing & Music, Wednesday, Oct. 25, 4 to 5:30 p.m. –Teens and tweens will learn the elements of break dancing! Learn how to pop, lock and move to music from the golden era of 90’s Hip Hop. Taking place at Michelle Obama Library (5870 Atlantic Ave.).

The Long Beach Public Library, along with partners Native Sol and VIP Records, is proud to host this celebration and invites the community to come together and revel in the bold and beautiful expressions of Hip Hop culture. For more information about this and other events, visit lbpl.org or call 562.570.7500.

About the City of Long Beach
Long Beach is nestled along the Southern California coast and home to approximately 466,000people. As an award-winning full-service charter city, Long Beach offers the amenities of a metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods, culture and community. With a bustling downtown and over six miles of scenic beaches, Long Beach is a renowned tourist and business destination and home to the iconic Queen Mary, nationally recognized Aquarium of the Pacific and Long Beach Airport, award-winning Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center and world-class Port of Long Beach.

For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov/. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube. For more information about the Long Beach Public Library, visit lbpl.org and on social at: Facebook, X and Instagram.