07/02/2026
“A conscious man, conscious woman is someone who recognizes their responsibility to humanity, and fulfills it.”
- Kwame Ture
What started as a club continues to grow into a space where students develop their craft, creativity, and a deeper understanding of themselves. I’m proud to see the connection that’s grown between our artist community and these young people.
Rap U has never been just about music. It’s about mental health, identity, literacy, confidence, and community. Giving students the opportunity to process their thoughts and experiences alongside working artists helps strengthen their voice and reminds them that their stories matter.
This year, Rap U took another step forward. Students created beats, supported one another through the writing process, built new friendships, challenged themselves, and took some big creative leaps.
As we put the finishing touches on their projects, I want to give a few shoutouts to everyone who helped make this experience possible:
Yaniboy Ill for helping the kids see the vision and capturing it.
TAT for stopping by and giving. Some insight on the importance of community and loving what you do.
Cusp of Arrows for helping students song write , inspire them , and give some guidance
Eric Brown for leading a session in beat making session and audio engineering!
JDP for engineering!
Miles Van Fossan Mv for Engineering, mixing , mastering , and couching these kids.
Suzi Rotz for supply lunch!
Suite 704 for the creative space for students to record and shoot the video.
Millikin Community Arts Academy for the space and opportunity.
Decatur Public School for supporting the program!
