After imploring artists and fans to take hip hop back, and asking aloud if they write, the Souls of Rap Folks have embarked on their most ambitious mission yet, Lift Every Voice and Rap.  The song and accompanying video are a heart felt ode to all that is hip-hop and life, and have prompted the formation of an educational initiative aimed at using the music to educate.

This December, hip-hop fans, students, educators and community activists can take part in the Lift Every Voice and Rap, a celebration of life, and launch of a hip-hop music based educational initiative.

The event will be held on December 15th at the CELLspace Artist Collective, 2050 Bryant Street, San Francisco. The event will begin at 9p.m., and will include performances by Souls of Rap Folks and various local artists.   Admission is $10, and all proceeds will be donated to the Jena 6 Legal Defense Fund.

The group's leader, artist and area community activist Critical Akklaim wants to share his vision of an inclusive curriculum with the urban youth who need it most.

"Most people would agree that the goal youth development is to help create responsible, productive adults that contribute to society. I have always had the idea that my goal as a teacher is to develop future colleagues and partners. I've been fortunate enough to have created situations through my adult life where my students have become really good friends, but are teachers themselves; people I learn a lot from.  This has been the best form of social return on investment."

By creating this program and investing in area youth, he feels that young people will be inspired not only to become involved with social issues, but also to become more deeply involved with their respective communities.

"I want people to be inspired to be involved in the lives of those around them. I want people to be reminded that what they do matters, whether its local or global. I want people regardless of any differences that may have to care a bit more about the other people in the room. I want people to see the spirit of hip-hop is its purest form; it was always about bringing a community of people together, any community."

The Lift Every Voice and Rap promises to bring artists, activists and students together for a night of community building and entertainment, and move ahead with a program that will change the way we look at arts and school curriculums.

Please stay tuned for updates.