The story behind the evolution of UZN is significant. As Hip Hop became popular, the group became known as the Mighty Zulu Nation and as later the Universal Zulu Nation. Bam was inspired by their resistance to Dutch settlers. Bam who was known for reading and staying up on the teachings of Elijah Muhammad and other African American leaders, changed the name to Zulu Nation after watching a movie that told the tale of the well known South African tribe. Bam who once lived the gang lifestyle and was trying to change his ways and saw the newly formed group as a way out. Back than it was simply known as 'The Organization'. For those who are unfamiliar with the Zulu Nation, they began as an organization founded by Afrika Bambaataa at Stevenson High School in the Bronx. They will also pay tribute to Hip Hop's seminal figures Kool DJ Herc, Grandmaster Flash and Afrika Bambaataa. “You’ve got to always remain a student.Hip Hop's oldest and largest organization, the Universal Zulu Nation is set to celebrate its 26th Anniversary this weekend They will be paying tribute to soul music and funk music God fathers, Sly Stone, James Brown, and George Clinton. “It’s important for the older guard to remember that was forged by young people and their creative freedom to express their own individuality,” he says. He relishes the opportunity to teach the fundamentals-DJing, MCing, graffiti, breakdancing, and knowledge-to today’s youth while also remaining receptive to the latest trends the crew’s youngest acolytes bring to the table, from trap beats to new YouTube dance crazes. Khazm, now 40 years old, has seen hip-hop culture, sound, and aesthetics evolve considerably in the last decade and a half. 206 weathered the storm and used the opportunity to reexamine its own policies and practices for vetting teaching artists who work with youth. Although the chapters operate independently, the association was damaging and many closed. The Universal Zulu Nation went through a difficult period in 2016 when child sexual abuse allegations surfaced against its founder, hip-hop pioneer Afrika Bambaataa. The crew’s ability to navigate the halls of power while staying true to its roots has proven a model for Zulu chapters around the world from Malta to Malaysia to the Middle East, all of whom have looked to Seattle for inspiration and advice on how to start a chapter. 206 Zulu was also instrumental in lobbying for the 2009 acquisition and renovation of Washington Hall by Historic Seattle, saving the structure from the wrecking ball. Importantly, 206 Zulu has managed to maintain grassroots credibility while forging key partnerships for funding and access to public space from a constellation of local agencies like Seattle’s Office of Arts Culture, Department of Neighborhoods, and Department of Parks and Recreation, as well as King County’s 4Culture. Summertime you can make your way to one of Zulu’s roving outdoor Park Jams or kick it on the street for a graffiti-soaked block party that transforms a nearby alley with larger-than-life murals and street art. Night owls can tune in to Zulu Radio on KBCS 91.3 FM from 2-5 am on Sunday mornings. The work week starts off with Soulful Mondays, an all-ages open freestyle dance session. The current class of 10 or so students will perform this weekend. With fully equipped audio and video production studios inside Washington Hall, the group offers a 12-week hip-hop production after-school class called Beats to the Rhyme. This weekend’s festivities are a testament to the day-to-day work that 206 Zulu operates largely under the radar of Seattle’s music scene. Khazm has been humbled by the response from hip-hop stalwarts nationwide who see a flourishing Zulu chapter as something worth supporting not just with a performance but also a chance to teach, learn, and discuss. “It’s just a blessing-the combination of having a vibrant community that is willing to come together, having a lot of infrastructure, big ideas, and being willing to learn from mistakes,” says King Khazm, a world touring local rapper who co-founded 206Zulu. How did a grassroots hip-hop organization in Seattle land enough talent to stack an event good enough for a Rock the Bells lineup?
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