Using hip-hop as a means of community restoration, Ahki Raafiq Uzn and his service chapter are teaming up with Village Green Records once again to help impoverished communities of Muncie and beyond.
Today, the Indiana chapter of the Universal Zulu Nation will be holding the Back 2 School Benefit at VGR, with performances by hip-hop acts from across the state, including Peaceful Order of Warriorz (featuring Uzn), Grandaddy Purp, and Geohn Huggins. Those attending this free event are encouraged to bring school supplies that will be donated to local children in need.
The Indiana chapter of the Zulu Nation has been organizing student charity events and food drives since last year.
Having been in need before, Uzn said he is very passionate about giving back to those in need.
"I know what it's like to do without," he said. "I've been there."
Founded by the "Godfather of Hip Hop" Afrika Bambaataa, the Universal Zulu Nation is composed of hundreds of chapters and is the oldest and largest grass roots hip hop organization, according to its website.
Last year, the Indiana chapter of Zulu Nation donated 15 backpacks to Hearts and Hands United of Muncie through events in Indianapolis, Muncie and Fort Wayne.
Uzn said he hopes this year's efforts can be just as successful.
"I would like to make sure that a child that might be feeling insecure about the new school year due to not having adequate supplies would be somewhat relieved by the donations that this event will provide," he said.
Uzn has coordinated and been a part of several shows at VGR in the past few years, carrying a high respect for the store and its community-cultivating efforts.
"I feel that VGR is a rare resource for the local community and more local artists should be aware of that," he said. "It's like a headquarters for musical culture."
Harvey said he holds Uzn in high regard, both musically and philanthropically, saying Uzn is truly one of Muncie's hip-hop legends.
"I have always enjoyed his professional and community conscious endeavors," Harvey said. "An opportunity to have a charity event created by the Zulu Nation organization at the record store is always exciting, and I am humbled by Raafiq's diligence and request to work with the Village Green Records' store."
Uzn said he is inspired by Muncie's contrasting economic classes. Having been a part of the community for some time now, he said he hopes the efforts of the Zulu Nation can provide a glimmer of hope to those living in poverty.
"One-third of Muncie lives below the poverty line. Outside of Ball State, this community has a big drug and crime problem," he said. "I would like to help alleviate some of these problems systemically, but in the meantime events like this show the local community that we are trying our best to help and we understand that things are not necessarily peaches and cream."
The Zulu Nation, along with Uzn, believes in the power of hip-hop; however, they also recognize that they live in a "real world with real problems and real solutions." This realization inspires the organization to make the most of their musical endeavors, not simply limiting them to the typical concert experience.
Harvey said he hopes freshmen and other Ball State students might see this event and realize they can have fun in a live music setting, while also bettering the lives of impoverished children through their simple donations.
"This is an important event to help students realize they are part of a community at large, bigger than the campus that they will spend the following years at," he said. "Students can be educated in class but they can also grow more familiar with their community; and this is a more valuable wisdom."
For more information on the event be sure and check out the Facebook event page.
What: Zulu Nation Back 2 School charity event
Where: Village Green Records, 519 N. Martin Ave.
When: 9 p.m.
*Bring school supplies to donate.
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