UW Business Mentor Program students at this week's meeting!
President Jan opened the meeting at the WAC promptly at 12:30 followed by the day’s song, “What a Wonderful Life,” led by Don Murphy and accompanied by Freeman Fong. She introduced the day’s main program speaker, Keith Tucker, as a visionary leader who has effectively used the ‘Hip Hop’ music culture to teach young people about climate change and the environment.
“I am guilty of high energy and commitment about educating young people about the stark things that are happening to our environment as all systems are in jeopardy,” said Keith Tucker who founded Hip Hop is Green in 2009 following 17 years as a radio host.
He went on to describe how climate change is impacting the planet, from “fishless oceans predicted by 2048” to “40/50% of bees are gone today” and how other such impacts are threatening the planet.
Hip Hop is Green provides culturally relevant education curriculum to young people. “We aim to create the next generation of climate leaders with field trips and plant-based foods from growing vegetables in our 2.5-acre Cherry Street Hydroponic Farm to preparing them in the farm kitchen for dinner,” he said.
Rotarians are welcome to participate in a “planting party” taking place at the farm on May 16th at 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (www.cherrystreetfarm.com) for more information.
Hip Hop is Green provides a ten-week youth climate change program that includes firsthand field trips where students have planted more than 5,000 trees following student-driven soil tests and discussions about best forest practices. The organization’s focus is on “creating the next generation of climate change makers” with education programs that resonate with younger generations.
He concluded his remarks with an overview of the Hip Hop culture and how health and wellness can help shape futures. Hip Hop is Green offers a 10-week climate camp where students learn about various environmental topics such as animal rights, marine biology, sustainable engineering, sustainable building, and plant-based cooking.
-Thanks for another great report, Pete!
