This is the 8th Annual Celebration of HIPHOP APPRICIATION WEEK.

The Kulture of HIPHOP brings great meaning and purpose to all of our lives. For the past 8 years we the true HIPHOPPAS we have set aside the 3rd week of May to celebrate and speak out about the truth of HIPHOP. To decriminalize HIPHOP in the eyes of ALL people. To build the movement Internationally. We as HIPHOPPAS need to build the image of HIPHOP by having it reconized publicly with upliftment, empowerment and productive growth.

As the Teacha has pointed out, our theme this year "FREEDOM," holds great power with-in all of us. Sometimes it is confused with "Liberty". Liberty means moving freely about one‚s enviroment. FREEDOM is a condition that is expressed within one‚s self. You truely must feel free with-in yourself to be free. You have to be true to yourself and your conditions, make your Own desicions. There are quite a few people who are waiting for something or someone outside themselves to give meaning and or purpose to their lives.

This year during May 15-22 2005, all true HIPHOPPAS will set aside for time for meditation upon the question of "FREEDOM". We need to look beyond just concepts of freedom from political or social points of view and enviroment and widen our views and explore what freedom means on a more personal and spiritual point of view, what person, place, thing are you addicted to? Is it helping you?

Here are some questions for Self reflection or group disscusion as well as some suggestions of what you can do to help your fellow HIHOPPAS free themselves.

Are you Free? Or are you waiting to be Freed?

Do you think for yourself? Or does someone make ALL of your desisions?

What does Freedom mean to me? What does it take to make me Free?

What does Freedom mean for us as a HIPHOP movement?

Regardless of finances, popularity, or success are you truly free?

These questions point to the essence of one‚s character.

What you can do?

We need to come together and discover ways to help free each other from the bondage that we face on a daily basic. We need to look at ALL aspects of helping each other to be free from our everyday routines. We need to relieve debt through charity, not just financial charity by the charity of knowledge, of love, of patience. Let us free one another from guilt through forgiveness and respect. Let us create events and discusions around the concept of "FREEDOM."

Any HIPHOPPA with exceptional organizing skills and love for HIPHOP can promote HIP HOP APPRICIATION WEEK within his/her city. But most of all; let us evaluate our own levels of personal freedom and seek ways to relieve the bondage of others. God has already blessed us all.