What is Build & Beats?
Build & Beats uses lyrics from Hip-Hop songs to spark conversations in the restorative justice circle. This takes place in a safe container with the intention of building community through the restorative process. Participants explore a variety of issues such as the Male Role Belief System, healthy and unhealthy relationships, personal and collective accountability, among other things.
What Build & Beats Addresses
Nationally restorative justice has become embedded in many institutions such as carceral systems, schools, colleges and community-based organizations. We are expanding on this and making it relatable by adding an artistic lens. We look to address the impact of personal, familial and historical trauma on communities throughout the United States. Particularly how it manifests in the form of mass incarceration and causing harm to others. The goal is to move towards healing and interconnectedness.
Build & Beats Curriculum Modules
Week 1: Introduction
Outcomes:
- Understanding of the restorative justice and circle process
- Relationship building amongst participants
Week 2: The Rap We Listen To
Outcomes:
- Identify what type of Hip-Hop/rap participants listen to and why
- Begin emotional regulation process
Week 3: Listening In
Outcomes:
- Discuss the impact of listening to negative and positive Hip-Hop/Rap
- Utilize critical thinking and emotional regulation when listening to Hip-Hop/Rap
Week 4: Further Listening In
Outcomes:
- Further connect with emotions and understand the greater impact of lyrics
- Gain appreciation for “positive” Hip-Hop/Rap and seek out more of it
Week 5: "Mr. BS" - The Male Role Belief System
Outcomes:
- Understanding of the role patriarchy plays in Hip-Hop/Rap and in their own lives
Week 6: Psychoacoustics
Outcomes:
- Simplified explanation of some music theory
- Explore how they are affected by music and understand why they are affected this way
Week 7: Generational Accountability
Outcomes:
- Observe the older generation taking accountability for the example they set
- Facilitators model what true accountability looks like
Week 8: Healing From The Legacy Of Slavery, Colonization and Historical Trauma
Outcomes:
- Explore the legacy of slavery, colonization and historical trauma
- Connect historical trauma and internalized oppression that occurs in Hip-Hop/Rap lyrics and culture
- Contemplate how they've been personally impacted by historical trauma
- Discuss ways to heal from it
Week 9: Dream Big
Outcomes:
- Share aspirations to inspire each other
- Use imagination to explore their dreams beyond a job and career
Week 10: Completion Ceremony
Outcomes:
- Celebrate each other
- Receive completion certificates
- Gain appreciation for the interconnectivity of us all
Participant Testimonial
“I would very much recommend this healing circle to any other organization looking for one. I really enjoyed my experience in the circle I feel like everybody become like a brother in that circle. I don't have anything negative to say. That circle has power, Man, I'm telling you, LOL. I enjoyed using hip-hop as a stepping stone to not just talk about the music but, talk about our experiences.” - Youth-Build & Beats Participant