Hip-Hop as a Framework to Process Trauma and Promote Mental Health in the Classroom

• In Event: Protect Ya Head: Mental Health, Hip-Hop, and the Classroom

Abstract

A hip-hop and spoken work framework is a neuroscientifically grounded and social justice-oriented means toward both instructional engagement and mental well-being in the classroom. This paper presents the biological and psychological underpinnings of why an identity-affirming pedagogy that both reflects the student-body and names and addresses health stressors, arouses and motivates learners and facilitates dissent and empowerment. When educators foster these emotions and behaviors in students, they promote enhanced remembrance and learning as well as support mental health. A neuroscientist and school counselor will present the scientific rationale for and application of this educational approach, as well as qualitative outcomes from recent experience teaching a Hip-Hop Education driven course centered on mental health determinants for low-income urban youth of color.

Authors

• Qiana Spellman, Brooklyn Preparatory High School

• Kelly Kent, Antioch University - Los Angeles

• Christopher Emdin, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Ian Levy, Manhattan College