How one student who shares her passion with her father, reaches out to share it with the world
When individuals think about hip-hop many may think about the form of dance or the popular genre of music that carries the name. But when it comes to the meaning of hip-hop to certain people, no one really thinks twice about it or really knows about its importance.
But it is different for senior mass communication major Alisha Sweatt, hip-hop means something so much more than a form of dance or genre of music. 
In December of 2016, Sweatt decided to branch out with her passion and reach out to the people surrounding her.
“I wanted to exploit my passion,” Sweatt said. “I can’t rap or anything and I love journalism, so I turned to educating people about hip-hop that started as an event and has evolved into programs and it has gone on from there.”
But her passion is not one that developed recently.
Growing up, Sweatt’s father was a DJ and a producer and was always around hip-hop. Whether it was around the house or when he and his friends would have parties, she was surrounded by hip-hop.
“When my dad passed away in 2005, I knew that I didn’t want his passion to die with him,” Sweatt assured. “My father’s death is what drove me to do hip-hop.”
Since her passion has really taken off, she has created the program in which she called “Hip-Hop Makes me Feel,” as a way of educating people on what hip-hop is and what it means to her.
Since its inception, “Hip-Hop Makes me Feel,” has grown from something only she is passionate about and an educational event to multiple programs, to, once it becomes chartered in February, a club on Winthrop’s campus.
“Once it is chartered in February,” Sweatt added. “We will probably meet every week only because I am graduating and I want to make sure that people are heavily involved so when I leave there will be something left on campus.”
One of the biggest wishes for Sweatt, though she has accepted the fact that it may not happen until after she has left, is bring a concert to campus.
“I want to be the outlet for people to be able to express themselves through hip-hop,” Sweatt said. “My wish is letting people know and remember that hip-hop is a way for people to express themselves without judgement.”
