May 18th officially marks “Michele Hairston Day.” Thank you to Dauphin County, Harrisburg, PA, and Michelle Green for this honor and proclamation.
Book Signing event
About Hip Hop Education 4 Youth
Her Story
Michele Hairston is a Hip Hop Educator, Historian, author, and founder of Hip Hop Education 4 Youth (HHE4Y), established in 2001 to educate, empower, and inspire young people through Hip Hop culture and history. Her mission was born from seeing youth influenced by negative music and imagery, while lacking understanding of Hip Hop’s true roots creativity, knowledge, peace, unity, and self-expression. Michele recognized Hip Hop as a powerful educational tool that could redirect and uplift young people.
She deepened her knowledge by learning directly from Hip Hop pioneers such as DJ Kool Herc, KRS-One, and Kool DJ Red Alert, who became mentors in her journey. Their guidance, combined with her research and experience, fueled her lifelong commitment to preserving and teaching Hip Hop history.
In 2002, Michele introduced Hip Hop Education into the Harrisburg School District, bringing Hip Hop into classrooms as a tool for learning history, literacy, math, social studies, social-emotional development, and the arts. Her programs expanded into workshops, after-school programs, performances, and youth competitions. Through HHE4Y, she developed Breaking, Graffiti Art, and Emcee crews, giving youth creative discipline, structure, and purpose. She also helped launch the “No N Word Movement” and “Hip Hop Against Violence,” using Hip Hop to promote respect, accountability, and nonviolence.
Her students performed and competed across the East Coast, participating in events such as Breakin’ 4 Peace, the Hip Hop (B-Boy) Award Show, and Hip Hop Against Violence, while engaging with pioneers, educators, and scholars.In 2007, the Harrisburg City Breakers won the Best B-Boy Award, highlighting the talent and discipline developed through the program.
On March 3, 2026, Michele released her first children’s Hip Hop book, Break Free, using storytelling and culture to inspire confidence, literacy, and self-expression in young readers.
On May 18, 2026, her decades of service were honored with an official proclamation declaring “Michele Hairston Day,” recognizing her impact on Hip Hop Education, youth empowerment, and the Harrisburg community.
Today, Michele continues her mission to preserve Hip Hop culture, uplift youth, and promote literacy and education across generations. She remains committed to showing the world that Hip Hop is more than music it is a culture, a history, and a powerful tool for transformation.
“Break Free” Hip Hop Children's Books available on Amazon
Hip Hop Appreciation Week 25th Anniversary
Hip Hop Appreciation Week 25th Anniversary thought TOHH
May 16th Strength • Courage • Wisdom The Power of the Seasoned Creative event
About Hip Hop Education 4 Youth
Our Mission
Hip Hop Education 4 Youth is a Educational Based Program that uses elements in Hip Hop to focus on trouble youth who struggles Socially and Emotionally and dealing with passed trauma in their lives. Partnering with the After-School and Community program in the Harrisburg Area to work with the teens in hoping to keep them in a safe environment, created projects to allow them to express themselves through the culture of Hip Hop.
Our History
Founded in 2001, Hip Hop Education 4 Youth has been dedicated to helping students achieve their goals for over 23 years. We have a proven track record of success and are committed to continuing to provide high-quality education for years to come.
Our Team
Our team of experienced educators is passionate about helping students succeed.