Ten years ago James Kim, the executive director and founder of BEAT, was struck by a seemingly simple but ultimately profound idea while DJing an event for the Lavelle School for the Blind. After witnessing the students come alive while dancing and humming to the beat of the music, he imagined a class that taught beatboxing to youth and people with disabilities so they can tap into their own human instrument. And that’s how the first class at Lavelle started in the Fall of 2009!
Since then, a decade of commitment of James and the entire BEAT family has led to one of the most innovative Hip-Hop based arts education programs today!
On Tuesday, November 19th, 2019, we celebrated a decade of impact and shared our exciting future with our longtime supporters, friends, and partners!
Our special celebration included dinner, auctions and performances by our amazing roster of teaching artists.
We also honored three incredible members of our community who have shared our passion to transform the lives of young people through the healing power of music and the arts:
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Honorable Charles B. Rangel, Congressman
- Visionary Leader Award: Diane Tucker, Principal of the Lavelle School for the Blind
- Community Hero Award: Joe Conzo, Hip Hop Photographer
