The Urban Nation H.I.P.-H.O.P. Choir
of Washington, DC is the brainchild of Dr. Sheila
Johnson Newman and renowned DC musician Dr. Rickey
Payton, Sr., who is the choir’s president and chief
executive officer.
Focusing on the acronym H.I.P. -
H.O.P. (Hope, Integrity, Power - Helping Our
People), the choir’s mission is to channel the
creative and artistic energies of a targeted group
of youth into a dynamic, structured group that will
foster excellence in all facets of their lives.
Students
who range in ages 13 to 18 participate in the Urban
Nation H.I.P.-H.O.P. Choir. They gain a better
understanding and awareness of their heritage by
performing a variety of musical styles, particularly
spirituals, gospel, jazz, contemporary,
inspirational, folk, musical theater and classical
music. In addition to performing, Urban Nation
emphasizes education, academic excellence, community
service, intercultural appreciation, discipline and
HIV/AIDs awareness Each participant is required to
maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and attend all
educational and motivational workshops as well as
seminars that will develop their talents, skills,
self-esteem, confidence and personal character.
Some highlights of the Urban Nation
H.I.P.-H.O.P. Choir include performances at the
White House and Pageant for Peace (lighting of the
National Christmas Tree). With rave reviews, the
choir has also shared the stage with such
celebrities as Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, P.
Diddy, Oprah Winfrey, Celine Dion, Wayne Newton,
Shania Twain, Hilary Duff, Tatyana Ali, Jasmine Guy,
Paul Simon, Raffi, Denyce Graves, Renee Fleming,
Rosie O’Donnell, Maya Angelou, Yolanda Adams,
Hezekiah Walker, John P. Kee, Vicki Winans, Karen
Clark Sheard, and Bobby Jones. The choir has
performed for John D. Podesta and the Center for
American Progress, Christmas in Middleburg, The
Center for Non-Violence and General Dynamics. The
choir has also been featured in an array of media
outlets including B.E.T., NBC TV, The Washington
Post, The Washington Times and B.E.T. Weekend.
For more information, please visit
our website:
www.urbannation.org.