Hip Hop: A Black Tie Affair Returns for its Third Celebration of Hip-Hop Culture
The YWCA Wheeling and Wheeling Heritage are proud to announce the return of the third Hip Hop: A Black Tie Affair. Scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 24, this celebration of hip-hop culture will take place at the Wheeling Artisan Center, located at 1400 Main Street, Wheeling.
The event aims to honor and celebrate the art form of hip-hop and its rich culture. In collaboration, Wheeling Heritage and the YWCA plan to showcase various art forms, including visual arts and performing arts, throughout the evening.
“Wheeling Heritage is excited for this special event,” stated Scott Schenerlein, Executive Director at Wheeling Heritage. “Collaborating once again with the YWCA for the third annual celebration reaffirms our commitment to honoring arts and culture within our community.”
“This event is a testament to inclusion and creativity within the realm of Hip-Hop,” stated Ron Scott Jr., YWCA Wheeling Cultural Diversity and Community Outreach Director. “It’s an opportunity to amplify the voices and expressions within the genre.”
Commencing at 6 p.m., the evening kicks off with the opening of ‘The Mixtape’ exhibit in the new Artisan Center Gallery. At 7 p.m., attendees will be treated to a video screening titled “1 of 1” featuring a collection of 16-bar verses submitted by local MCs. The prompt “1 of 1” encourages artists to reflect on what makes them unique as an artist and individual. The night continues with a range of engaging activities, including house music and an old school DJ battle.
For this event, “black tie” simply means to wear your most formal attire. No one will be turned away or discouraged from attending due to attire. “Black Tie Affair” is often reserved for formal evening events. As an art form, hip-hop has not been traditionally regarded as a genre worthy of such reverence, and this event works to change that.
The YWCA Wheeling and Wheeling Heritage are currently seeking artist submissions for both the art exhibit and video screening. Visual artists must apply by Friday, February 9 but the art does not have to be completed and delivered until Feb. 17. Artists can apply for their work to be considered at wheelingheritage.org/hip-hop. MCs who wish to submit their 16-bar verses can send their audio file to Ron Scott at cdcodirector@ywcawheeling.org by Feb. 1. Artists should keep in mind that this is a public event open to all ages.
Hip Hop: A Black Tie Affair begins at 6 p.m. Admission is free for those who attend; however, donations are accepted. To learn more about the event, visit wheelingheritage.org/hip-hop.
About Wheeling Heritage:
Wheeling Heritage is a catalyst for the revitalization of Wheeling. Through historic preservation, community development, and the arts, we help to tell Wheeling’s story and shape its future. We seek to improve the quality of life in Wheeling by preserving and investing in our city, collaborating with others, and engaging the citizens of Wheeling in our work.
About YWCA Wheeling:
Since 1906, the YWCA Wheeling has provided services to individuals regardless of race, gender, age, or religion in the West Virginia Northern Panhandle, including Ohio, Marshall, Brooke, Wetzel, Hancock Counties, and Belmont and Jefferson Counties in Ohio.
