I Am Hip-Hop: The Legacy of An International Youth Movement

Rap music is a multibillion-dollar industry! However, very few people know the history of Hip-hop culture which spawned rap music. This presentation is multimedia based (images, audio and video) and covers the environment in which Hip-hop was born, its elements and the global response to the movement. The presentations also deal with the challenges and opportunities that are found within Hip-hop.

A.HOT.GHETTO.MESS. or A.VISIONARY.GLOBAL.LEADER

A phenomenon has swept the nation that equates being a person of color, low income or from the inner city with being the scourge of society.  Popular media depicts communities as aberrations and social deviants and have been able to find support from members of the very communities they stereotype.  This multimedia presentation challenges the notions of popular media toward people of color by outlining economic, social and political factors that contribute to some of the challenges our communities face.  Ultimately, the workshop outlines strategies, attitudes and behaviors needed to transform one from a “hot, ghetto, mess” into a visionary global leader.

You’re Black, Now What?: Relevancy of Black History in the 21st Century

The current racial climate in America is as contradictory as ever.  As we see signs of major progress for people of African descent in the United States, we are also in the midst of a debate about being in a “post-race” society.  This workshop is a multimedia-based presentation addressing the issues of cultural identity, “post-race” and profiles of Icons in Black History.  Most importantly, we address the question of “What does it mean to be Black?”

Swagger Like Us: Style vs. Substance vs. the Black Male

The term “swagger” permeates throughout popular culture.  This workshop examines the history of the word swagger in relationship to Black men.  It also explores the concept of living in a post-racial society and what that means for Black males.  The audience is challenged to consider adding substance to style to become a more balanced individual.

Beyond Tolerance: Diversity and Multiculturalism in School and Work
Institutions throughout the United States have embrace diversity initiatives.  One of the key components missing in these programs is the reason why they exist.  We have inherited a legacy of inequality and must address that legacy as we seek to embrace a more inclusive existence as citizens.  During this workshop we discuss strategies that challenge us to move beyond our ethnocentric comfort zones and explore practical ways to move beyond tolerance.

Effective Leadership Styles and Models

Quarterly, new systems for managing meetings, building teams and “quarterbacking” organizations are introduced. This presentation primarily shares studies and experiences that have influenced the leadership styles and models used by Lasana Hotep. His experiences as a leader in high school, college, grassroots and small business organizations have given him a unique perspective on what it takes to share a vision, have a team embrace it and assist in its manifestation. Principles, characteristics and historical models are used to illustrate the various styles and approaches to leadership. This presentation emphasis the role the individual plays in producing for the whole, regardless of title or position.
Organizing: From Grassroots to College Campus

Rather you are doing a bake sale or coordinating a protest rally, there is an element of organizing that takes place. Management of the time, energy and resources available is mandatory for the success of a project. Pulling on the experiences as a community organizer and campus leader, Lasana Hotep provides a guide to effective organizing. Brainstorming, Prioritizing, Financing, Promoting and Executing are the key components dealt with in this presentation. The audience has an opportunity to learn from an experienced organizer who has been actively participating in organizations for fifteen years.