“Was a truly mind opening experience”
“The Rhythmic Mind hip hop discussion group on zoom was a truly mind opening experience. I Would’ve never thought it’d work so well on a online zoom meeting but after all the lagging and frozen screens, the group as a whole does an amazing job at just meshing together for honest, layered discussion. It’s beautiful how rhythm truly brings everyone to flow and gel as one. Even tho we sometimes answer one question in similar way it just adds to the sense of community and togetherness. Overall a great rap discussion group that goes deeper than a pen.”
– Elijah
“Strongly encourage the program to anyone who is young and struggling with understanding themselves”
“Hi, my name is Deonte Hairston. I’m hoping this reaches the eyes and ears of anyone looking to be a part of Rhythmic Mind. I was a part of one of the earliest Rhythmic Mind programs when I was in highschool. I moved and never got to finish the program but I was there for 5 weeks. I had an opportunity to take part in the program along with some other students. It gave me a space to express thoughts and feelings I didn’t know I had. Music wasn’t exactly a priority in my life but the program fundamentally changed me while also building confidence in myself that I was lacking before. Today I’m a rapper named Deonte The Alien. I’ve only been doing it for a year but I’ve grown immensely in such a short time. I took everything I learned from the program and I turned it into something that’s become the building blocks of a dream for me. I think as someone who was young it really helped me find a spot in myself that I had been without and I strongly encourage the program to anyone who is young and struggling with understanding themselves. Thank you for reading this. If you’d like my personal thoughts and want further information from my point of view please email me I’d be happy to answer questions. Hairstondeonte@gmail.com”
– Deonte
“Going through much difficulty in my life, this program was able to effectively teach me and guide me into understanding “
“Rhythmic Mind is an amazing program for anybody with a love of hip hop seeking a creative outlet to not only practice and refine their craft, but to express their emotions, and ideas, and to have those ideas heard. Going through much difficulty in my life, this program was able to effectively teach me and guide me into understanding and using my shortcomings to empower myself, and improve my mindset moving forward. This program has set me on a path to help others in the same way, and i am very grateful to have had the pleasure of experiencing it.”
-Nelson
“Helped me find who I wanted to be as a rapper and overcome the fear of actually rhyming out loud”
“During my time with Rhythmic Mind I saw my self grow a lot as an artist and person. I first joined the group observing and putting in input when I had it, but after a while I became a steady participant and eventually started helping others in the class. The program helped me find who I wanted to be as a rapper and overcome the fear of actually rhyming out loud and harboring my writings and raps. Overall I enjoyed the program and was glad to be a part.”
– Silas
“The participants have developed a clear sense of what they would like their future to look like”
“It is amazing to see how much the youth have learned and grown since the beginning of the program. The way that Rhythmic Mind are able to connect with the youth and create an atmosphere where they feel comfortable to express themselves and embrace new ideas is truly superb. The participants have developed a clear sense of what they would like their future to look like thanks to this program.”
– Bradlee Line, Alameda County Juvenile Hall Staff
“Made me realize certain things I didn’t know about myself”
“Rhythmic Mind helped me a lot. It brought out a different side and voice in me, and made me realize certain things I didn’t know about myself”
-Youth Incarcerated In The Alameda County Juvenile Hall
“Positively engages youth, helping them to work through barriers”
“The Rhythmic Mind program is an innovative program for high risk youth which positively engages youth, helping them to work through barriers and explore positive future pathways.”
– James Rivers, Alameda County Juvenile Hall Superintendent
“It’s really cool to step out of your comfort zone and try different things”
“It’s really cool to step out of your comfort zone and try different things. That’s what I’ve done through this program, opening up, talking about things, or just freestyling and getting comfortable in areas that I’m not really comfortable. I really recommend this program to any student who thinks they should join. I really do, I think it’s a good program”
– Damien
“The staff have done a great job at engaging the youth“
“I want to express my full support for Rhythmic Mind and their Hip Hop Discussion Group in Oakland schools, particularly schools like Rudsdale Continuation, which serves high-risk youth. The staff have done a great job at engaging the youth, and give our students access to skills that will help them succeed.”
– Francisco Sanchez, After School Program Director For Bay Area Community Resources at Rudsdale Continuation High School