Warm Up “They try to box me in, but I got knowledge of self, which is stronger than any cage that you can lock me in” - Talib Kweli Mini-Lesson The Universal Zulu Nation The Universal Zulu Nation is an international hip hop awareness group formed and headed by hip hop pioneer Afrika Bambaataa. Originally known simply as the Organization, it arose in the 1970s as reformed New York City gang members began to organize cultural events for youth, combining local dance and music movements into what would become known as the various elements of hip hop culture. By the 1980s, hip hop had spread globally, and the Zulu Nation has since established (autonomous) branches in Japan, France, the UK, Australia, South Korea and the Cape Flats in Cape Town South Africa. During the 1970s, and 1980s, Afrika Bambaataa and the Zulu Nation members would often clothe themselves in costumes representing different cultures of the world. These costumes were seen as symbols for the Zulu Nation's desire to help others regardless of nationality or skin color and also to symbolize people who were generally peaceful and good until they were oppressed by those who were not. Most members, including whites and Latinos, would often wear necklaces or shirts depicting an outline of the African continent or a tribal drawing of a man's face. This was a symbol of the Zulu nations of Africa, from which the organization got its name. Bambaataa, who once lived the gang lifestyle and was trying to change his ways, saw the newly formed group as a way out. Bam, who was known for reading and staying up on the teachings of Elijah Muhammad and other African American leaders, changed the name to Zulu Nation after watching a movie that told the tale of the well-known South African tribe. He was inspired by their resistance to Dutch settlers. The Fifth Element: Knowledge “We believe in the mental resurrection of the dead. We feel that many of the Human Family are Blind, Death, and Dumb to the Knowledge of self and others. When we say "self," we mean that each person or persons must have true knowledge of who each individual is in the history of their people -finding out where they come from, which country, the True or Ancient name of their country; nation, nationality, race, and civilization. We must deal respectfully with the Truth-both the negative and positive--of our peoples past, admit their wrongs to the world, and then to start a process of healing in order to bring the world out of darkness and into the light of Knowledge, Wisdom, Understanding, and Truth.” – from a teaching on Wisdom, by Afrika Bambaataa Self-Concept In psychology, self-concept (also called self-construction, self-identity or self-perspective) is a collection of beliefs about oneself that includes elements such as academic performance, gender roles and sexuality, racial identity, and many others. Generally, self-concept embodies the answer to "Who am I?" Black Star – K.O.S. (Determination) [Talib Kweli] So many emcees focusin on black people extermination We keep it balanced with that knowledge of self, determination It's hot, we be blowin the spots, with conversations C'mon let's smooth it out like Soul Sensation We in the house like Japanese in Japan, or Koreans in Korea Head to Philly and free Mumia with the Kujichagulia TRUE Singin is swingin and writin is fightin, but what They writin got us clashin like titans it's not excitin No question, bein a black man is demandin The fire's in my eyes and the flames need fannin (3X) With that what? (Knowledge Of Self) Determination *repeat 4X* [Singer] Things I say and do, may not come quite through My words may not convey just what I'm feelin [Talib Kweli] Yes yes come on, yes yes Knowledge Of Self is like life after death With that you never worry about your last breath Death comes, that's how I'm livin, it's the next days The flesh goes underground, the book of life, flip the page Yo they askin me how old, we livin the same age I feel the rage of a million niggas locked inside a cage At exactly which point do you start to realize That life without knowledge is, death in disguise? That's why, Knowledge Of Self is like life after death Apply it, to your life, let destiny manifest Different day, same confusion, we're gonna take this Hip-hop shit and keep it movin, shed a little light Now y'all bloomin like a flower with the power of the evident Voices and drums original instruments In the flesh presently presentin my representation With that what? (Knowledge Of Self) Determination *repeat 6X* Things I say and do, may not come quite through My words may not convey just what I'm feelin *repeat 2X* [Talib Kweli] The most important time in history is, NOW, the present So count your blessings cause time can't define the essence But you stressin over time and you follow the Roman calendar These people into cloning like Gattaca, you can bet They tryin to lock you down like Attica, the African diaspora Represents strength in numbers, a giant can't slumber forever I know you gotta get that cheddar whatever Aiyyo I heard you twice the first time money, get it together You must be History, you repeatin yourself out of the pages You keepin yourself depleatin your spiritual wealth That quick cash'll get your ass quick fast in houses of detention Inner-city concentration camps where no one pays attention Or mentions the ascension of death, til nothing's left The young, gifted and Black are sprung addicted to crack All my people where y'all at cause, y'all ain't here And your hero's using your mind as a canvas to paint fear With, broad brush strokes and tales of incarceration You get out of jail with that Knowledge of Self determination Stand in ovation, cause you put the Hue in Human Cause and effect, effect everything you do And that's why I got love in the face of hate Hands steady so the lines in the mental illustration is straight The thought you had don't even contemplate Infinite like figure eight there's no escape.. From that what? (Knowledge Of Self) Determination *repeat 4X* Dilated Peoples – “You Can’t Hide, You Can’t Run” You can't hide, you can't run Remember to, always be true, no matter what you do Run it, I never fronted, I got my whole crew life on it Think sharp, man listen You can't hide, you can't run Remember to, always be true, no matter what you do Run it, I never fronted, I got my whole crew life on it [Hook] Any day your last day might come so You can't hide, you can't run Late night or in the shadows when the daylight comes remember You can't hide, you can't run, man listen Any day your last day might come so You can't hide, you can't run From the truth, we know each and every day fights come, remember You can't hide, you can't run [Rakaa Iriscience] It's like it's Final Destination, you tryin your best to make it They say be patient but you know you're cheating death, it's chasing Heart beatin, pulse racin, but I keep the pace and Train to be the best and beat the best by the Gracie Grappler spectacular rapper sport of altercation In self-defense we hem em up, a tailored alteration We're firestarters, leaving stages up in flames Then again we're firefighters, spraying at whatever's blazing Crazy ways to express and pass information Daily making the best of bad situations We fight to win in whatever type of test we're facing Hip-hop came while they were underestimating Amazing grace how sweet the sound, that's what I was raised in But then the crack and gangs flourished under Ronald Reagan Life insurance for kids, undertakers waiting Earth is purgatory, here between the pearly gates and Satan [Hook] [Evidence] I stay relevant Only person I stand in the shadow of is Evidence Last page, I left off a good look This ain't the next chapter, it's a whole new book About to steal the game, I'm a whole new crook Baking up that fire, I'm a whole new cook Get your whole shit took, Cali's back under the sun So you can't hide, and you can't run From the truth, some ain't convinced so they decide to try me Like I give a fuck, we live from India.Arie They got spies in cameras and trailers We see em setting up though we on counter-surveillance On to me, I'm on to you, it's no mystery Better think fast though, the future just your history It's where the plot thickens, regardless of wealth Cause the worst person to run from's yourself [Hook] Writing Exercise 1. List at least 3 personal strengths / assets / or positive attributes. (Everyone has them!) 2. List at least 3 personal weaknesses / liabilities / or character flaws. ( Everyone has them!) 3. Now, using this inventory, write a poem, rap, or essay that explores at least one of these character traits. Questions to consider: How does this trait affect me positively / negatively? How long have I had this trait? Is it part of my inherent character? Is this trait a learned behavior? If so, where did I learn it? How could I use this trait for good / bad? How can I let go of the parts of myself that I don’t like? How do I see myself? Do others see me differently than I see myself? If so, why? What else would I like to learn about myself? about others? about life? Why is self-honesty the most important kind of honesty? Examples of character traits: Open-minded Honest Caring Self-centered Reliable Loyal (see next page for more)