By Edwin Freeman for Black Star News
Photos: Edwin Freeman
In a powerful testament to hip-hop’s transformative influence, the Freeman Foundation for the Arts is set to launch its innovative Hip-Hop Harmony Program at Hillcrest High School in Queens, New York this April. For foundation founder Edwin Freeman, this launch represents more than just a new educational initiative—it’s a homecoming that speaks to the endless possibilities that hip-hop culture can unlock.
Freeman, who walked the halls of Hillcrest as a student in the 1990s, has since carved out a multifaceted career in entertainment and social advocacy. His journey from Queens to prominence includes achievements as an independent hip-hop artist, notable acting roles in the critically acclaimed biopic “Notorious” and Netflix’s groundbreaking series “Marvel’s Luke Cage,” and work as a documentarian exploring crucial social issues through films like “Modern Day Slavery” and “Beats & Lyrics.”
“Hip-hop isn’t just music—it’s a universal language that speaks directly to young minds,” Freeman explains. “When you combine education with the culture that students already connect with, you create something powerful. Something transformative.”
The Hip-Hop Harmony Program, an 8-week curriculum designed to integrate hip-hop culture into traditional education, represents a bold step forward in modernizing New York City’s educational approach. The program aims to use hip-hop’s core elements—from lyricism to storytelling—as tools for teaching everything from literature and creative writing to history and social studies.
“When I was a student at Hillcrest, I never imagined seeing hip-hop in the classroom,” Freeman reflects. “But today, we recognize that hip-hop is one of the most effective ways to engage students and help them express themselves while learning critical thinking skills.”
The program’s methodology draws from hip-hop’s rich tradition of wordplay, metaphor, and social commentary. Students will learn to analyze lyrics as poetry, explore the historical context of hip-hop’s evolution, and develop their own creative voices through writing and performance exercises.
Following its initial launch at Hillcrest, the Freeman Foundation plans to expand the program to middle schools and high schools across New York City. This expansion aligns with a growing body of research supporting the effectiveness of hip-hop pedagogy in improving student engagement and academic outcomes, particularly in urban educational settings.
“We’re not just teaching students about hip-hop,” Freeman emphasizes. “We’re using hip-hop to teach them about themselves, their potential, and their place in the world. When you can connect education to culture, you create an environment where learning becomes natural and exciting.”
The program’s launch at Hillcrest High School symbolizes a full-circle moment that demonstrates the long-term impact of hip-hop culture. From its origins in the Bronx to its current status as a global cultural force, hip-hop has consistently proven its value as a tool for education, empowerment, and social change.
As the Hip-Hop Harmony Program prepares to welcome its first cohort of students, Freeman’s journey from Hillcrest student to entertainment professional to educational innovator serves as an inspiring example of hip-hop’s transformative power. It’s a reminder that when education embraces cultural relevance, it opens doors to unprecedented possibilities for student engagement and success.
“This program is about more than just bringing hip-hop into schools,” Freeman concludes. “It’s about showing students that their culture has value, that their voices matter, and that they can use what they love as a stepping stone to where they want to go. That’s the real power of hip-hop education.”
