A Hip-Hop-Based Workshop Cultivates Urban Underserved Youths’ Critical Consciousness Around Food Systems

Authors

• Jacob Rowell, Virginia TechFollow
• Hannah Scherer, Virginia TechFollow
• Kim Niewolny, Virginia TechFollow
• Anthony Kwame Harrison, Virginia TechFollow
• Kendrick Spencer, Virginia TechFollow

Abstract

Hip hop is social commentary and critique that highlights the complexity of issues within society, including systemic inequity in the food system, which disproportionately affects urban and African American populations. After-school and non-formal programs are innovative educational opportunities to engage youth in learning about and addressing local problems through culturally-relevant program design and enactment of critical pedagogy. To meaningfully connect middle-school-aged urban youth, their lived experiences, and inequities in the food system, we designed a hip-hop-based workshop and delivered it in an established afterschool program. In this qualitative case study, we explored participants’ critical consciousness related to the food system through their workshop participation. Data sources included primary researcher field notes and focus group transcripts. Transcripts were analyzed using two coding cycles with field notes utilized for triangulation of findings. We documented the importance of exposing normalized food system inequalities and fostering critical consciousness to challenge systems of oppression. Participants were engaged in hip-hop culture and creating culturally relevant spaces for youth allows for participation and connection with the instructor. Participants presented a change in conception and developed an emerging critical consciousness about local food systems. Lastly, participants expressed interest in developing the local community and improving healthy food access.

Recommended Citation

Rowell, Jacob; Scherer, Hannah; Niewolny, Kim; Harrison, Anthony Kwame; and Spencer, Kendrick (2026) "A Hip-Hop-Based Workshop Cultivates Urban Underserved Youths’ Critical Consciousness Around Food Systems," Journal of Youth Development: Vol. 21: Iss. 3, Article 21.
Available at: https://open.clemson.edu/jyd/vol21/iss3/21