Addressing Social Injustice with Urban African American Young Men Through Hip-hop: Suggestions for School Counselors

Abstract

In this manuscript, the author discusses how hip-hop and rap music can be used to as a tool for social justice advocacy to stimulate urban African American young men’s sociopolitical empowerment to combat educational barriers. The manuscript includes a historical examination of the environment in which hip-hop culture was conceived. The focus then shifts to how particular hip-hop artists’ lyrical content is germane to the social justice advocacy orientation mandate of 21st century professional school counselors working in urban settings. Finally, practical suggestions are be provided for how social justice oriented professional school counselors can apply this content when working directly with urban African American young men.