April/May 1996 Pg-7

Inside The Union

by Stacey Williams

Over the years Hip Hop has taken the rap for everything from violence to the destruction of a nation. But in a dimly lit unfurnished room above a video arcade, Hip Hop takes on a more positive meaning. It becomes a music, a business, and a culture.

For the past two years, every first, third and fifth Monday, a group of young people come together to form the Freestyle Union. In their own words they are "dedicated to the elevation of the rhyme." Young adults, who by day would be looked upon as the lost generation, come here to express their fears, desires and hopes for the future. Each and every one a poet, each one with a story to tell. Nothing is written or rehearsed. Like much of the oral history of African-Americans, the story unfolds in the telling.

Topics are chosen from letters of the alphabet or phrases: and would-be rappers sharpen their skills and deliver their meaning in their message. "Ignorance breeds ignorance" and mad scientists in their labs creating rhymes are just a few of the wide range of themes to build a verse around. There is no battling here - verbally or otherwise. Nor is the "bitch/whore" frame of mind welcomed. These are two of the few rules by which participants gladly abide. Rappers work inside the cipher (a circle of people) in unison as they finish each other's sentences and thoughts adding a new twist to the tale. Anyone can join in anytime a rhyme hits them.

Freestyle Union is about more than just honing a rappers performance skills. There are artistic and business workshops led by Ms. Toni Blackman. Participants are educated on the historical relevance and implications of Hip Hop music. The spiritual side of Hip Hop is also explored. But most importantly the participants are given a safe and supportive environment to be just who they are.

Founded in 1994 by Toni Blackman and Monty Taft, Freestyle U, as its participants call it, has grown and continues to show enormous potential. Blackman was honored by WAMA with a Community Achievement Award in 1995 for her non-stop dedication to this art form. Last fall, the Union branched out and opened chapters in France and England. Last month the Union celebrated its second anniversary. Because of its popular demand, this Union will be around to celebrate many more anniversaries to come. For more information about Freestyle Union call (202) 446-1638.