Enter the Cipher: Building Cultural Capital Through Hip-Hop Pedagogy

• In Event: 66.065 - "My Cypher Keeps Moving Like a Rolling Stone": Centering Youth Voice in Hip-Hop Education

Abstract

Research around barriers that impact persistence of male students of color in college argues that there is a need for spaces of cultural relevancy and faculty and peer mentoring opportunities. This qualitative self-study is designed to examine how Hip Hop pedagogy practiced in classrooms and counseling sessions build cultural capital in male students of color. Using a ground theory approach to analyze data, the findings revealed three themes: 1) the importance in valuing students’ lived experiences, 2) the impact on intentional and meaningful relationship building with faculty and peers, and 3) the power of acknowledging and integrating students’ cultural wealth in educational spaces. Implications can help inform professional development opportunities to create culturally relevant spaces for male students of color.

Author

• Nathaniel Nevado, Skyline College