1:00 - 1:45
Estados Unidos
Come experience the power of song writing with Alphabet Rockers. The workshop will be centered on the potent power of what’s possible when we let our children and young people lead us forward. Alphabet Rockers will brainstorm with participants on video and in chat in a closed zoom session, the participants can pick the topic - and the Rockers will build a song with the group’s ideas. The community will close the session, hearing the song back with beatboxing. Bring the whole family and let’s music and change together!
Alphabet Rockers make music that makes change. Our families need content that is healing, that reflects who we are and empowers us— that embraces Black liberation, Queer liberation, Indigenous rights, immigrant rights, and intersectionality. Alphabet Rockers curates this content with the community, centering children’s voices. We amplify authentic stories and interrupt the patterns that got us here. Witness how we do this collective work — Join us in the embodiment of real change.
Founded by Kaitlin McGaw (she/her) and Tommy Shepherd (he/him/they), this intergenerational group creates brave spaces to shape a more equitable world through hip hop. Their GRAMMY nominated 2018 album, Rise Shine #Woke reached 300K kids and families since its release, inspiring American kids to stand up to hate and be their brave and beautiful selves. Their second GRAMMY nominated album The Love (2019) lifts up voices of the trans, two-spirit and gender non-conforming communities. On The Love, you hear the intergenerational sound of the Rockers, with Kali de Jesus (he/him), Lillian Ellis (she/her/hers), Maya Fleming (she/her), and Tommy Shepherd III (he/him) joining McGaw & Shepherd in anthems for change.
With headlining performances at Lollapalooza, The Kennedy Center, San Francisco Pride Festival, Art & Soul Festival and the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture, and in over 50 schools across the country each year, diverse audiences love their contemporary sound and positive messages. They were GRAMMY nominees in 2018/2020, American Library Association’s Top Album in 2017, 2018 and 2019, and won the Parents’ Choice Award for their 5-album catalogue. Alphabet Rockers appeal to a broad audience with lyrics like “I will stand up for you” and “I shine in my beautiful skin,” landing them in the top 5 songs of 2018 on Kids Place Live SiriusXM Radio. Their music, videos, concerts, and curriculum are designed by an intercultural team of anti-bias thought leaders, educators, artists, parents, and young people of all genders.
Connect with Alphabet Rockers: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Summer Stride
Summer Stride is the Library's annual summer learning, reading and exploration program for all ages and abilities. Read and learn with the Library all summer long.