Project Duration: unlimited
Start/End Date :With funding 

Music is a universal language, and hip hop is today’s global music, yet its potential to reach out and build connections has not been   realized. Both as music and as contemporary poetry, hip hop resonates in the Arab and Muslim world. Whether they sing in Arabic, Turkish, Farsi, French or English, today’s hip hop musicians speak a common language; they voice feelings of alienation and frustration, but also hopes for a better world. The potential for hip hop to build bridges across cultures has not been tapped. 

The Event (s): A global hip hop summit and concert aimed at bridging divides between cultures, communities and countries, specifically targeting the divide between the US and the Arab and Muslim world. Given importance of poetry in the Arab world, the summit also could include poetry jams, modeled on Def poetry. Could also be held in two locations – one in west and one in Muslim world.   Could expand reach with online streaming and/or large screens in different locations.

 Key Players: Muslim American stars such as Akon, Nas, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Lupe Fiasco (just to name a few). Stars from Muslim world such as DAM, Ramullah Underground, YAS (Iran), Fez City Clan (Morocco) and others.

Beyond the Concert: With the engagement of Quincy Jones, Russell Simmons, or someone comparable, it would be possible to have a contest with a recording as prize and music production (including online) workshops. With the musicians from different countries, could have an all night jam session that could be web streamed. Documentary film makers could be engaged to produce short videos about the performers. Amateur videos from audience could capture experience of concert, and keep it alive on YouTube. Could also hold panel discussions on global political and socio-economic aspects of hip hop. 
 
 
Partnering Organization(s):  Hip Hop Summit and Action Network (HSAN), YAS Culture Talk 

Hip Hop Summit and Action Network (HSAN),
http://www.hsan.org/Content/Home.aspx?pageId=241
USA
Dr. Benjamin Chavis,   HSAN

HSAN uses the power of hip hop for positive social change, through the organization of youth summits around the United States.

I Love Hip Hop in Morocco, http://www.ilovehiphopinmorocco.com/ 
damagement@aim.com  USA  Josh Asen, 

Cynthia P. Schneider, Distinguished Professor in the Practice of Diplomacy, Georgetown University , cpschneider@restructassoc.com, 301 -706-9260. 
 
Project Mission :To bridge divides and build connections between young people in the west and east through hip hop music. Also to build skills in music production and distribution.

Project Objective(s): Organize global hip hop summits and concerts that bring together musicians, poets, and audiences from east and west ; keep concert and connections alive through online music production, website with music streaming 

Target group(s) :Youth 
Geographical scope(s) of project: Unlimited, but focus on US and Muslim majority regions

One page summary:Attached
Achievements/progress to date: Proposal and budget completed

Contact person for the project :Cynthia P.Schneider cpschneider@restructassoc.com. 301 706 9260