Preserving Hip-Hop History and Protecting Arts Funding | Something to Say (03-04-2025)
From hip-hop archives to state arts funding, this episode of "Something to Say" examines how cultural preservation and creative access intersect through conversations with three guests working in different corners of the arts community.
The latest episode of the “Something to Say” podcast brings together three powerful conversations that highlight the intersection of culture, community activism, and creative expression. From preserving hip-hop's authentic narrative to advocating for arts funding, this episode showcases how dedicated individuals are working to ensure that diverse voices continue to shape our cultural landscape.
Host Mazi Mutafa speaks with Martha Diaz, founder of the Hip-Hop Education Center, about her journey as an activist and social organizer within the hip-hop community. Diaz cites her background as a Colombian American as a driving force behind her interest in hip-hop culture.
Diaz shares her experience working with "MTV Raps" and explains how it ultimately led her to leave the industry to pursue independent projects and community organizing through initiatives like Fresh, Bold & So Def.
"It's our turn. It's our time to step up, you know, and take back our narrative and our power and help the next generation understand that hip-hop isn't just that side — we are a part of it, we are shaping it together," Diaz said.
The conversation also explores Diaz's work as an archivist and the critical importance of archival work in preserving culture and history for future generations.
Later in the episode, Mutafa sits down with Suzan E. Jenkins, CEO of the Arts & Humanities Council of Montgomery County. Their discussion covers the important work of the Arts & Humanities Council as well as recent legislative changes in Maryland that could impact the arts community.
Jenkins and Mutafa explore the wide array of career opportunities available in the arts, spanning from literature to music and beyond. They also address recent budgetary changes being proposed in Maryland that could affect arts funding, emphasizing the importance of keeping arts funding and access to the arts free from political interference.
To conclude the episode, co-host Patrick Washington speaks with youth poet Arianna Joy Bosley, highlighting the next generation of creative voices making their mark in the literary arts.
This episode of "Something to Say" demonstrates how cultural preservation, arts advocacy, and youth expression work together to create a more inclusive and vibrant creative community. From Diaz's efforts to reclaim hip-hop's authentic story to Jenkins' work ensuring arts access remains protected, these conversations remind us that culture and creativity require both celebration and active protection. Through the voices of established advocates and emerging artists like Bosley, we see how each generation builds upon the last to keep artistic expression alive and thriving.
Something to Say is recorded live on Washington, DC’s Radio Station WPFW 89.3 and is produced by Words Beats & Life Inc.
