Hip Hop in the Park: Louisville’s Celebration of Black Joy, Culture, and Creativity

In the heart of Louisville, KY, Hip Hop in the Park (HHITP) has become a vibrant space where music, art, and community converge. Founded and curated by Vashti and Zakia, HHITP is more than an event — it’s a movement that centers Black joy, creativity, and intergenerational connection.

Vashti, a storyteller, cultural organizer, and creative, describes herself simply as “Mama. Lover. Friend.” and a lifelong hip hop enthusiast. Zakia, an Affrilachian poet, youth enrichment director, songwriter, and photographer, brings her multifaceted talents to the project. Together, they’ve created a platform that celebrates local talent while giving the community a space to gather, connect, and thrive.

From the June to August events, HHITP has featured performances, docuseries casting calls, live art, and interactive community experiences — all rooted in the philosophy of “for us, by us.” By keeping the events free and accessible, they’ve made hip hop a living, breathing expression of Louisville culture.

I had the honor of attending the August HHITP event, and it was nothing short of amazing. It was filled with so much culture and so much kindness. There were several performances, food, vendors, and much more. You could literally feel the unity and togetherness. I would recommend everyone attend these events. You will not be disappointed!

How would you describe your unique style?

For us, it’s “for us, by us!” Black. Community-centered. Liberating. Hip hop.

What inspired you all to start Hip Hop in the Park?

We created HHITP because there weren’t enough brick-and-mortar spaces for hip hop culture in Louisville. We wanted to provide a platform to highlight local and state talent while honoring hip hop’s revolutionary roots. Inspired by the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement’s Black August Hip Hop Project, HHITP uses hip hop as a vehicle for liberation, education, and collective power. By taking it to a public park — our shared land — we create a space where creativity, voice, and culture can thrive freely.

What key moments shaped organizing HHITP?

One of the most powerful moments was reconnecting with Kentucky hip hop artists during our docuseries casting calls. We heard their stories, saw their passion, and felt a true sense of community — it was a Louisville hip hop reunion. Gathering this input directly from artists helped us shape HHITP into a space that reflects their needs and desires. Documenting these stories also lets us build a lasting archive of hip hop history in Louisville.

What challenges have you faced and lessons learned?

Securing funding has been a major challenge. Thanks to the Fund for the Arts grant and in-kind support from organizations like the Parks Alliance of Louisville and the Black Leadership Action Coalition of Kentucky, we ensured artists were paid and the event stayed free. Lesson learned: community support and collaboration are essential — and sponsorship opportunities for 2026 are wide open!

What role do you feel like hip hop plays in Louisville?

Hip hop is everywhere — music, fashion, art, dance. Louisville has legendary artists, from Prince Phillip Mitchell to Static Major, and vibrant scenes like graffiti and record stores like Better Days. Hip hop has shaped our city’s culture, and HHITP celebrates and amplifies it.

What has been one of your proudest moments?

There are many! Investing over $10,000 in local artists, seeing vendors sell out, watching Black families of all ages connect and dance, hosting community BBQs, and hearing guests say HHITP gave them a sense of solace after challenging times — these are all highlights. Ending the season by citing the Assata Shakur creed together was particularly powerful: “We have NOTHING to lose but our chains.”

How do you stay motivated and continue growing?

The community motivates us. Seeing everyone come together reminds us why HHITP exists. We listen to feedback, adapt, and rest when needed to recharge. Collaboration with the community ensures growth, and attending other live shows keeps us inspired.

What do you want people to feel when they attend HHITP?

Free. Seen. Connected. Our community agreements center Black joy, honor the land, encourage self-care, authentic expression, and collective care. We want attendees to leave inspired, uplifted, and ready to engage with the culture in their own way.

Where do you see HHITP in the next five years?

Continuing to grow as a free, accessible platform that showcases hip hop culture across generations. We want to stay intentional, grow with community feedback, and ensure HHITP reflects what people truly need from this shared space.

HHITP is a testament to Louisville’s thriving hip hop scene, its power to bring people together, and the dedication of its organizers to uplift artists and community alike.