The Universal Hip Hop Parade (UHHP) is an annual family-friendly non-profit educational and cultural event held in the historically Black neighbourhood of Bedford Stuyvesant Brooklyn on the Saturday before the anniversary of Marcus Garvey's August 17 birthday to bring to mind that Marcus Garvey himself also used popular culture as a tool to empower people and encouraged the growth of Black institutions.
The parade holds the distinction of being the world's longest celebration of Hip-hop culture. It covers all the traditional elements of Hip hop including rappers, break dancers, singers and actors performing both on floats and on foot. Additionally, graffiti artists and deejay’s perform at different locations along the parade route.
The parade also presents other examples of the vibrant artistic and cultural life of the community including stilt walkers, motorcycle & van clubs, graffiti banner displays, marching bands, sound trucks, dancers and more. Additionally Hip-hop legends, elected officials, community activists and legendary MC’s have participated. The parade also serves to display the emerging neighborhood of Bedford Stuyvesant, including its arts, culture and growing commercial district the to residents from other neighborhoods of New York City as well as other visitors to the area. Local organizations showcase their artistic creativity, membership and colors while promoting their services, events and products. Neighborhood businesses and institutions along the route play music and distribute giveaways to help create a festive environment. Residents and visitors alike are urged to participate and join the parade procession..
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“So having said, a while he stood, expecting
Their universal shout and high applause
To fill his ear; when contrary, he hears,
On all sides, from innumerable tongues
A dismal universal hiss, the sound
Of public scorn.”
—John Milton (1608–1674)
“He’s a man who shoots from the hip. And a man who’s hip when he shoots.”
—Jeremy Larner, U.S. screenwriter. Banquet master of ceremonies (Pat Harrington, Jr.)
“I have tried being surreal, but my frogs hop right back into their realistic ponds.”
—Mason Cooley (b. 1927)
“We are becoming like cats, slyly parasitic, enjoying an indifferent domesticity. Nice and snug in “the social” our historic passions have withdrawn into the glow of an artificial cosiness, and our half-closed eyes now seek little other than the peaceful parade of television pictures.”
—Jean Baudrillard (b. 1929)