Creativity and Black joy was all around at the 2nd Atlanta Park Jam. The event took place on Sunday, Oct. 13 and was located at Adair Park on the westside trail of the Beltline.
ATL Park Jam Hip Hop Culture Festival was presented by Rapport, Soul Food Cypher, and Atlanta Beltline Art. This event had a little something for everyone of all ages, geared to show all the different elements of Hip Hop and culture. There was a 3 on 3 basketball tournament, live graffiti art, an open skate session, DJ battle, Black-owned food vendors and so much more.
Alex Acosta, the Executive Director of Soul Food Cypher, and the curator of ATL Park Jam, spoke about what this event means to him. Acosta said that it was important to have this event because it is a way to “showcase Black joy and creativity in Black spaces.”
Through the event, Acosta wanted to show what Hip Hop has done for the culture, and the many layers that it has. “Hip Hop started in the community, it is a communal art form, so being able to partner with the Atlanta Beltline was the perfect opportunity,” Acosta said.
It is Acosta’s hope that ATL Park Jam will continue to grow every year. Acosta said he envisions a future where he will be able to expand the Park Jam brand to other cities that celebrate the art of Hip Hop.
The event closed with an HBCU-style drumline performance and a return of last year’s highlight event, the freestyle rap session with Soul Food Cypher.
For more information on this event, you can find them on Instagram @atlparkjam
