So, I just gave up a whole hell of a lot of my personal Hip Hop archives to the Cornell University Hip Hop Collection that Ive been holding on to since the late 70s. I pretty much gave up the bulk of my collection in the name of sharing, education and something for my Boricuas to be proud of in the future. I want people to know that we made a contribution that they can look back on and be able to draw from when it comes to having a sense of pride about who they are. Growing up in the 70s and 80s offered nothing substantial for me to be proud of as a Puerto Rican. When it came to who I was as a Puerto Rican, I could only reference family house parties, the Puerto Rican Day Parade, good food and music. But, there was nothing in the education system that served as information about who I was that I can be proud of. There was nothing for me to look at outside of the typical sports such as boxing and baseball for me to admire and strive for. But that all took money that wasnt there. So I gravitated towards what eventually became labeled as Hip Hop. To make a long story short. I fell in love with everything about it. All forms of art and the people that came alone with these art forms. It was the moment that I felt like I came to life. I finally felt like I could be good at something and not have to worry about having to pay for. Except for sneakers. Which my mother accused me of alway walking on rocks throughout my day, because of how fast I would wear down my skippys (cheap, no brand name sneakers). but i have to say. From that moment that got involved, I saved what could easily amount to an encyclopedia of my life and everyone else that was along for the ride. Flyers, photos, programs, clothing or anything that I felt were interesting to me, because of who I admired and simply the moments that I can look at and say we were there, we did that first and we earned our stripes, were saved along the way. Now, I wasnt perfect in preserving my archives, but i know I was better then most, because I was such a fan of what I became a part of. And what I became a part of has stayed with me for most of my life and has taken my around the world while going through 5 passports. Not bad for a kid being raised with 4 brothers and 1 sister, in a single part home while on welfare, but having a super Woman of a mother to hold things down and do what she could with what little she had. So now Im at a point where things did build up and some things are starting to deteriorate, because of time and not so perfect conditions for storing these things of such importance. And when i say importance. Im talking about a lot of things that represent what can be considered a first or major early milestones in Hip Hop. So I made the decision to pass them on and make them available to the public for future research and for my people to see that there were things done that we can be proud of. Even if coming from a social and economic issues that didnt allow for much dreaming or opportunity. I want people to know that we didnt just take Breaking, Writing / Graff, Djing and Em Ceeing around the world. We did something that brought the world closer together, because of a common interest that allowed for the color lines to be less noticeable. Something that cause people to admire the person and their skills, before noticing that they were of a religion that they didnt agree with. We didnt just bring Hip Hop, we brought the opportunity for people live with more open communication which brought about a greater understand of each other as people from different places on this planet. I can go on for ever on this, because i lived it and yes, I should do a damn book already. And maybe i will one day. Now let me get to my last point. As everything was being sorted out and packed away, I dealt with it like anything else on a normal day. I kind of felt from moment to moment, a sense of loss, but for a greater purpose. But as it came to that moment to say goodbye to my cherished archives, I felt like my heart was ripped out. So I definitely had a moment when they were gone. And Ill leave it at that on that point. So lastly. I just have to say. There is more then my personal things going to the Hip Hop Collection - Cornell University Library and I hope everyone reading this will take advantage of it or even teach your kids about whats there for them to research, learn from or even take pride in. Ok. Thats the end of my rant and I dont care to spell check or check for typos. I just needed to share some thoughts with the world of Hip Hop and my fellow Boricuas. Simply put. Weve been there since the beginning and we left our mark. Dont let anyone tell you that we havent contributed. And If they do, I will show them the bumps, bruises and scars that Ive gotten along the way to prove it. Or Ill just send them to Cornell University and tell them to have a seat and read. Peace, Crazy Legs of Rock Steady Crew
Posted on: Fri, 12 Dec 2014 05:39:05 +0000
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