The HipHop Declaration of Peace was presented to the United Nations
Organization on May 16th 2001. It was signatured by various
organizations such as: Temple Of Hip Hop, Ribbons International, UNESCO
and also by 300 Hip-Hop activists, pioneers and UN delegates.In
the first place this document recognises Hip-Hop as an international
culture of peace and prosperity. It is also a set of principles which
advise all Hip-Hoppers on how to sustain the peaceful character of Hip
Hop Kulture and to form worldwide peace.Additionally this
declaration is meant to show Hip-Hop as a positive phenomenon which has
nothing in common with the negative image of Hip Hop as something that
corrupts young people and encourages them to break the law. KRS One,
Pop Master Fabel, Afrika Bambaataa, Ralph Mc Daniels and HarryAllen
were some of the people who had their share in creating the declaration.
The HipHop Declaration Of Peace
This Hiphop Declaration of Peace guides Hiphop Kulture toward
freedom from violence, and establishes advice and protection for the
existence and development of the international Hiphop community.
Through the principles of this Hiphop Declaration of Peace we, Hiphop
Kulture, establish a foundation of Health, Love, Awareness, Wealth,
peace and prosperity for ourselves, our children and their children's
children, forever.
For the clarification of Hiphop's meaning and purpose, or when the
intention of Hiphop is questioned, or when disputes between parties
arise concerning Hiphop; Hiphoppas shall have access to the advice of
this document, The Hiphop Declaration of Peace, as guidance, advice and
protection.
First Principle
Hiphop (Hip'Hop) is a term that describes our independent collective
consciousness. Ever growing, it is commonly expressed through such
elements as Breakin, Emceein, Graffiti Art, Deejayin, Beatboxin, Street
Fashion, Street Language, Street Knowledge and Street
Entrepreneurialism. Wherever and whenever these and future elements and
expressions of Hiphop Kulture manifest; this Hiphop Declaration of
Peace shall advise the use and interpretation of such elements,
expressions and lifestyle.
Second Principle
Hiphop Kulture respects the dignity and sanctity of life without
discrimination or prejudice. Hiphoppas shall thoroughly consider the
protection and the development of life, over and before the individual
decision to destroy or seek to alter its natural development.
Third Principle
Hiphop Kulture respects the Laws and agreements of its culture, its
country, its institutions and whomever it does business with. Hiphop
does not irresponsibly break Laws and commitments.
Fourth Principle
Hiphop is a term that describes our independent collective
consciousness. As a conscious way of life, we acknowledge our influence
on society, especially on children; and we shall forever keep the
rights and welfare of both in mind. Hiphop Kulture encourages
womanhood, manhood, sisterhood, brotherhood, childhood and family. We
are conscious not to bring any intentional disrespect that jeopardizes
the dignity and reputation of our children, elders and ancestors.
Fifth Principle
The ability to define, defend and educate ourselves is encouraged,
developed, preserved, protected and promoted as a means toward peace
and prosperity, and toward the protection and the development of our
self-worth. Through knowledge of purpose and the development of our
natural and learned skills, Hiphoppas are encouraged to always present
their best work and ideas.
Sixth Principle
Hiphop Kulture honors no relationship, person, event, act or
otherwise wherein the preservation and further development of Hiphop's
culture, principles and elements are not considered or respected.
Hiphop Kulture does not participate in activities that clearly destroy
or alter its ability to productively and peacefully exist. Hiphoppas
are encouraged to initiate and participate in fair trade and honesty in
all negotiations and transactions.
Seventh Principle
The essence of Hiphop is beyond entertainment: The elements of
Hiphop Kulture may be traded for money, honor, power, respect, food,
shelter, information and other resources; however, Hiphop and its
culture cannot be bought, nor is it for sale. It cannot be transferred
or exchanged by or to anyone for any compensation at any time or at any
place. Hiphop is the priceless principle of our self-empowerment.
Hiphop is not a product.
Eighth Principle
Companies, corporations, non and not-for-profit organizations, as
well as individuals and groups that are clearly benefiting from the
use, interpretation and/or exploitation of the term Hiphop, (i.e. Hip
Hop, hip-hop,) and the expressions and terminologies of Hiphop, (i.e.
Hip Hop, hip-hop,) are encouraged to commission and/or employ a
full-time or part-time certified Hiphop cultural specialist to
interpret and answer sensitive cultural questions regarding the
principles and proper presentations of Hiphop's elements and culture;
relative to businesses, individuals, organizations, communities,
cities, as well as other countries.
Ninth Principle
May 3rd is Rap Music Day. Hiphoppas are encouraged to dedicate their
time and talent to self-development and for service to their
communities. Every third week in May is Hiphop Appreciation Week.
During this time, Hiphoppas are encouraged to honor their ancestors,
reflect upon their cultural contributions and appreciate the elements
and principles of Hiphop Kulture. November is Hiphop History Month.
During this time Hiphoppas are encouraged to participate in the
creating, learning and honoring of Hiphop's history and historical
cultural contributors.
Tenth Principle
Hiphoppas are encouraged to build meaningful and lasting
relationships that rest upon Love, trust, equality and respect.
Hiphoppas are encouraged not to cheat, abuse, or deceive their friends.
Eleventh Principle
The Hiphop community exists as an international culture of
consciousness that provides all races, tribes, religions and styles of
people a foundation for the communication of their best ideas and
works. Hiphop Kulture is united as one multi-skilled, multi-cultural,
multi-faith, multi-racial people committed to the establishment and the
development of peace.
Twelfth Principle
Hiphop Kulture does not intentionally or voluntarily participate in
any form of hate, deceit, prejudice or theft at any time. At no time
shall Hiphop Kulture engage in any violent war within itself. Those who
intentionally violate the principles of this Declaration of Peace or
intentionally reject its advice, forfeit by their own actions the
protections set forth herein.
Thirteenth Principle
Hiphop Kulture rejects the immature impulse for unwarranted acts of
violence and always seeks diplomatic, non-violent strategies in the
settlement of all disputes. Hiphoppas are encouraged to consider
forgiveness and understanding before any act of retaliation. War is
reserved as a final solution when there is evidence that all other
means of diplomatic negotiation have failed repeatedly.
Fourteenth Principle
Hiphoppas are encouraged to eliminate poverty, speak out against
injustice and shape a more caring society and a more peaceful world.
Hiphop Kulture supports a dialogue and action that heals divisions in
society, addresses the legitimate concerns of humankind and advances
the cause of peace.
Fifteenth Principle
Hiphoppas respect and learn from the ways of Nature, regardless of
where we are on this planet. Hiphop Kulture holds sacred our duty to
contribute to our own survival as independent, free-thinking beings in
and throughout the Universe. This planet, commonly known as Earth is
our nurturing parent and Hiphoppas are encouraged to respect Nature and
all creations and inhabitants of Nature.
Sixteenth Principle
Hiphop's pioneers, legends, teachas, elders, and ancestors shall not
be inaccurately quoted, misrepresented, or disrespected at anytime. No
one should profess to be a Hiphop pioneer or legend unless they can
prove with facts and/or witnesses their credibility and contributions
to Hiphop Kulture.
Seventeenth Principle
Hiphoppas are encouraged to share resources. Hiphoppas should give
as freely and as often as possible. It is the duty of every Hiphoppa to
assist, whenever possible, in the relief of human suffering and in the
correction of injustice. Hiphop is shown the highest respect when
Hiphoppas respect each other. Hiphop Kulture is preserved, nurtured and
developed when Hiphoppas preserve, nurture and develop one another.
Eighteenth Principle
Hiphop Kulture maintains a healthy, caring and wealthy, central
Hiphop guild fully aware and invested with the power to promote, teach,
interpret, modify and defend the principles of this Hiphop Declaration
of Peace.
By signaturing this document we declare our support and membership
to the one and only, real Hip Hop Kulture which is based on rules and
values presented in the aforementioned declaration. We also reject the
wrong image of Hip-Hop Kulture which is often linked with violence and
aggression or is a falsely created stereotype spread by mass media and
commercial pseudo-Hip Hop icons of pop-culture.
This document
presents the intentions of Hip Hop Kulture. When the good name of Hip
Hop Kulture will be threatened by negative actions of people who
identify themselves with Hip-Hop but do not obey the principles of this
declaration, the document (including a list of collected signatures)
shall be sent to the government institutions and mass media.
http://www.declaration-of-peace.com/en/
