By Edwin Freeman
Photos: Edwin Freeman
The hallways of Hillcrest High School in Jamaica, Queens, have been buzzing with a different kind of energy this year. Students who once might have found themselves in the principal’s office are instead gathering in circles, sharing their stories through the lens of hip-hop culture, and building connections that are transforming their educational experience.
At the center of this transformation is Hip-Hop Harmony, a groundbreaking social-emotional learning program that I created to address the growing need for culturally responsive approaches to student support and conflict resolution. What started as an ambitious pilot program at Hillcrest High School has quickly evolved into a movement that’s catching the attention of educators, policymakers, and community leaders across New York City.
From Concept to Community Impact
Hip-Hop Harmony is built on the foundation of restorative circles, a proven model that brings people together to address harm, build understanding, and strengthen community bonds. But what makes this program unique is its integration of hip-hop’s four foundational elements—DJing, MCing, breakdancing, and graffiti art—along with the rich history and cultural significance of the genre that was born right here in New York City.
“When students see their culture reflected and respected in their education, everything changes,” explains one Hillcrest educator who has witnessed the program’s impact firsthand. “These young people aren’t just learning conflict resolution skills; they’re discovering their voices and their power to create positive change.”
The program’s success at Hillcrest has been nothing short of remarkable. Students who previously struggled with traditional disciplinary approaches have found new ways to express themselves, resolve conflicts, and support their peers. The restorative circles model, enhanced by hip-hop’s emphasis on storytelling and community, has created spaces where authentic dialogue can flourish.
Meeting Growing Demand
The overwhelming response to Hip-Hop Harmony has created what I can only describe as a “heavy demand” for expansion. While the program was originally designed for high school students, the enthusiastic reception has prompted a complete overhaul to make it accessible and effective for elementary and middle school students as well.
“We realized that if this approach works so powerfully with high schoolers, imagine the impact we could have by reaching students earlier in their educational journey,” I reflected on the decision to expand the program’s scope. The adaptation process has involved reimagining activities, adjusting language and concepts for different developmental stages, and creating age-appropriate ways to explore hip-hop history and culture.
Political Endorsement and Support
The program’s innovative approach and demonstrated results have garnered significant political support from across the city. City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams’ office has endorsed Hip-Hop Harmony, recognizing its potential to address educational equity and student wellness in meaningful ways. Senator Leroy Comrie’s office has also thrown its support behind the initiative, understanding its relevance to the communities he represents.
Perhaps most significantly, New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ office has endorsed the program, seeing it as an example of the kind of creative, culturally responsive education initiatives that can help transform the city’s schools. This high-level political support has been instrumental in opening doors for the program’s expansion and ensuring it has the resources needed to succeed.
Expansion Plans
The success at Hillcrest High School is just the beginning. Hip-Hop Harmony is set to expand to several other schools across Queens and Brooklyn in the next calendar year, bringing its transformative approach to hundreds of additional students. Each new implementation will be carefully planned and supported, ensuring that the program’s core principles are maintained while allowing for the unique culture and needs of each school community.
The expansion will also serve as an opportunity to further refine the program’s approach for different age groups and to build a network of educators trained in combining restorative practices with culturally responsive teaching methods.
The Power of Cultural Connection
What makes Hip-Hop Harmony so effective is its recognition that education must speak to students’ lived experiences and cultural identities. Hip-hop, with its roots in resilience, creativity, and community empowerment, provides a powerful framework for helping young people navigate challenges and build positive relationships.
“This isn’t just about using hip-hop as a hook to get students interested,” emphasizes a program facilitator. “It’s about recognizing that the values and practices embedded in hip-hop culture—authenticity, creativity, community, and social consciousness—are exactly what we need to help students develop emotional intelligence and conflict resolution skills.”
Looking Forward
As Hip-Hop Harmony prepares for its expansion, the program represents more than just an innovative educational approach—it’s a testament to what’s possible when we center students’ cultures and experiences in their learning. The combination of restorative justice principles with hip-hop culture has created something entirely new in the educational landscape.
The program’s journey from a single classroom at Hillcrest High School to a city-endorsed initiative set for multi-borough expansion demonstrates the hunger for educational approaches that truly serve all students. As New York City continues to grapple with questions of educational equity and student support, Hip-Hop Harmony offers a promising model for how schools can become spaces of healing, growth, and authentic community building.
For the students gathering in those circles, sharing their stories through the lens of hip-hop culture, the program represents something even more fundamental: the recognition that their voices, their experiences, and their cultures are not just welcome in their schools—they’re essential to their education.
Edwin Freeman is the creator of Hip-Hop Harmony and an advocate for culturally responsive education. Freeman is a professional actor and director best known for his role as legendary Hip-Hop DJ Mister Cee in the blockbuster film “Notorious” and Young Pop in the hit Marvel series “Luke Cage.” He also produced and directed the critically acclaimed documentaries “Modern Day Slavery: From Plantations to Prisons” and “Beats & Lyrics: The Essence of Rap.” For more information about the Hip-Hop Harmony program and its expansion plans, visit thefreemanfoundationforthearts.org.
