Hip Hop Writing at Sabot in RVA Magazine!

check out the article from RVA Magazine about hip hop creative writing class taught by my pal, rapper Black Liquid. The talks I have had with him about the class are always rich and inspiring. It is so beautiful to see what a natural and gifted teacher this man is- besides being a talented songwriter and musician.

Most artists I know are observant and reflective people, but that doesn't always translate to their teaching. That piece that is the teacher's research- listening and being inspired by your students and learning as much from them as they do from you (or maybe even more) is just so crucial. To be a really effective teacher, in my experience, takes an ability to suspend your ego, to be open to the point that you might make a fool of yourself, to try and fail and try again to convey new understandings. This is not always easy for people who are experts in any field, and I respect and appreciate when someone can be good at whatever they're good at AND be a good teacher.

here's a quote from the article,written by Roger Tyler, which can be found here
rvamag.com/sabot-at-stony-point-school-learns-about-hip-hop-from-local-rappers

“Besides speaking and performing for the youth at Juvenile Detention Centers, teaching has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my entire life. Not only because it’s something I never thought I would be doing, but because its value and meaning transcend words. There is so much shared inspiration, so many unique challenges, and it’s something I get to do with the singular expectation and goal of everyone being there to have fun! I don’t see my students as kids; I see them as a group of people who are knowledgeable because of their youth. As adults, we are all guilty of being ignorant because of our knowledge. In that simplicity I find liberation, and they run with it--and take me with them.”