The Hip Hop Congress of Auburn hosted a Christmas gathering last Thursday evening at the Portuguese Hall on Taylor Rd. in Newcastle.
Singing artist J. Ross Parrelli attended. Originally from Auburn, Parrelli moved to New York and performs around the country, gaining notoriety as a performing artist. “I always come back to Auburn and this Hip Hop community because it is so important that our young people are supported in their creative efforts,” Parrelli said.
Natalie Pohley is a co-chair of the Auburn Chapter of the Hip Hop Congress and oversees the events program. “This Christmas gathering is just one of the many events we organize to inspire and motivate youth in our community. We want them to find creative and constructive ways to express themselves and connect with the community and promote positive change,” Pohley said.
In the network culture, where on-line communities can become all consuming and promote values that are not necessarily in alignment with our own, developing off-line relationships in families, neighborhoods and communities is an important balance. Youth need to understand the difference between a superficial “friend” connection, and a relationship that is truly friendship. They also need to believe that their life has a purpose and their voice matters.
Seventeen-year-old Douglas Webster of Auburn, whose stage name is Xpression, plans to apply for a Grants Advisory Board for Youth funding to sponsor an awareness festival. “I really want to help people understand how we have better choices for energy and food…how important it is to ‘go green’ and be smart about the food we consume – stay away from processed foods,” said Webster.
The primary focuses of the Auburn Hip Hop Congress Chapter are:
- Youth Programs
- Community Involvement
- Cultural Awareness
- Artist Development
- Quality Events
To learn more go to: Auburn Hip Hop Congress
(Ref: 404-e)
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