Malcolm X Day Hip Hop Conference and Music Fest in May 17th

The UmojaFest P.E.A.C.E. Center (UPC) located in the heart of the historic Central District (24th & Spring), is Seattle’s first “Green Hip-Hop Youth Center”, built by the people to serve the youth and community. The UPC acts as not only a centralized home base for Peace in the CD but also as a beacon of “Hope in Action” in the community. Dedicated to answering President Obama’s call to service, the UmojaFest P.E.A.C.E. Center has brought together people of all walks of life (ages, ethnic backgrounds, etc.) united for one common cause of creating a place for youth to increase the peace.

In light of the recent gang violence and gentrification, the facility will include a Youth Violence Memorial & Organic Garden, audio recording and video production studios, office space for community organizations and an outdoor stage. The Green Light Initiative of the UmojaFest P.E.A.C.E. Center will focus on promoting eco-equity, increasing awareness of sustainable living, environmental stewardship principles and engaging disenfranchised communities in the developing green economy.

So far, the UPC has produced several events including the “We Are Change Youth & Community Forums” and the “Seattle/NW Hip-Hop Leadership Conference”, bringing in speakers such as Dr. Sujan “Supreme Understanding” Dass, author of “How to Hustle and Win: A Survival Guide to the Ghetto”. The Hip-Hop community has also fervently supported the UPC, with vocal support from M1 of dead.prez, Mos Def and One Be Lo.

The UPC has also hosted national dignitaries such as Cynthia McKinney (keynote speaker for the Malcolm X Day Conference) who facilitated a Community Organizing workshop during her campaign for presidency in 2008. An UmojaFest Stars Baseball Team has also been created to provide recreational activities that the community desperately needs to provide an alternative for youth in the streets.

In celebration of Malcolm X Day, the UPC will be hosting the “Malcolm X Day Hip-Hop Conference & Music Fest” on Sunday, May 17, 2009 at the UPC (located on 24th & Spring). Workshops based on the philosophies of the late human rights leader Malcolm X will begin at 10:00am and go until 1:00pm with special guest, former congresswoman and 2008 Green Party presidential candidate Cynthia McKinney giving the keynote address. Local artists such as Shamako Noble (Hip-Hop Congress), Maineak B (Stahi Bros.), Thee Satisfaction, Jus Moni, Delton Son, and many more will be performing.

Please come join us, celebrate, and help serve our community! As a completely voluntary organization, we accept any form of donations be it in the form of money, supplies, or volunteer service. Your involvement and dedication is vital for community self-sufficiency. For more information, please visit: www.UmojaFestPeaceCenter.com