Location(s)
A 20 week project for 8 to 10 underserved youth that will explore the similarities and differences of the Longfellow Wars of the 19th century and the east coast/west coast rap rivalry in the late 20th century. The proposal will examine how both poetic rivalries revolved around notions of authenticity, artistry, manhood and respect that were expressed through public one upmanship between competing personalities. Participants in this project will study Poe, Longfellow, Tennyson and Whitman, as well as Biggie Smalls, Tupac Shakur, Rakim, and Missy Elliot. The project will take place from September of 2005 to March of 2006. Participants will meet twice each week for two hours with a facilitator and visiting scholars and will collect source material that will be developed for six public performances to be part of Free Street's PANG Season.Grant Date:
04/29/2005
