Dear friends,

This Friday, June 13th marks a significant day in my life. It will be my 30th BIRTHDAY and I am commemorating it with an event that draws together my closest friends and family along with my love of music, dancing, activism, young people, dressing up and having FUN!! I am having a B-day party at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW) this Friday but in true Hidmo style. The show will be hosted by Gabriel Teodros and Khingz (Khalil) and will feature Hidmo regulars Fats and Imani as Grizz Gang and Geo & Sabzi of Blue Scholars, as well as a BOOMBOX Danceparty, featuring Sabzi as well. For the first time ever we will have Hidmo merchandise available (limited edition shirts and stickers), a photo booth, and other not-to-be missed surprises (don't forget to dress in your best 70s clothing). In addition, all proceeds from this event will go straight to Hidmo. Tickets are available online by going to www.hidmo.org

WHAT IT ALL MEANS:

Hidmo has survived many challenges this year (go online for story links) and we have handled these difficulties with varying degrees of frustration, confusion and anger but always with hope in our hearts. Because every time something threatens to knock us out, we stay standing, held up by the many hands that reach out to give us support. The hands of individuals in this community that see the value in our existence. The things that have been accomplished within Hidmo this year are truly phenomenal. We have housed a youth organization and two regular community-led events that draw not only the best talent in the city but also makes art available to individuals of all ages on a regular basis. We have become a neighborhood touchstone, one of the few left, where persons of any background can come as they are and just be. We have changed the outlook of local youth, who used to see the place where they lived as an unsafe battleground, but now see it as a home, and themselves as active participants in a community. We have provided the space for countless groups and individuals to meet, organize and work... and we are just getting started!

In the coming year, we hope to launch the Hidmo Community Empowerment Project, run summer programming for youth and work more closely with area schools in our mission to increase dialog, build community and decrease the negative impacts of gentrification on youth and families.

WE NEED YOU:

While we were on schedule to begin doing youth programming this summer, many challenges (including two burglaries in the past month) have put a halt on these plans. Our solution - throwing the ultimate party, raising the money ourselves, continuing with our plan! Money raised from this Friday's party will directly impact our ability to do much needed programming in the coming months. Even in this short amount of time, with the help of all our friends, we know that we can sell this party out! Help us make this event a success by taking a few minutes right now to:

-go to www.hidmo.org and buy your ticket

-forward this email to everyone you know

-announce this event through any avenues that you have available

TOGETHER WE CAN DO IT!

No, I have not turned into Obama. But this year has proven that together we can do just about anything. By still existing, Hidmo has all ready surpassed all expectations. However, our goal is not to simply exist, but to make substantial changes to this community and this world. I cannot think of any better birthday present then raising money for programming that I have worked so hard on, by kicking it with my best friends and supporters.

Help us make the change - www.hidmo.org.

In love & Struggle,

Rahwa