Last Sunday I went to an event dubbed, “Election Boogaloo”. It was organized and hosted by New Mexico Hip-Hop Congress and sponsored by New Mexico Youth Organized. The free all-ages hip-hop/break dancing event was geared at getting people registered, and excited to vote in the up-coming elections. All night the event was themed in a way to encourage others to get out and vote on October 4th. There were even a few people going around in the off chance there was someone that was not already registered. (I’m happy to say that it looked like almost everyone in attendance was registered and proud to be!!)

The event was held at “The Stove” a chill, local spot just East of the Nob Hill area. The night was off to a slow start, with few people break dancing inside to an amazing DJ. One person outside started up the graffiti contest on The Stove’s constantly changing wall of graffiti street art.

As the sun set, the party really got amped up as more people began to arrive. More awesome girls and guys joined in the break dancing and others entered the graffiti contest for the chance to win the $100 cash prize. Moving inside, things were getting heated as some of the guys began free styling to the beat. Their lyrics were smooth and original, expressing everything from who they were, to their choices for the up-coming elections in all categories. Later on, the contest for best beat-boxer began with some extraordinarily talented guys (sadly I didn’t see any girls enter). In the spirit of election times, the winners were decided through ballot voting, and everyone was encouraged to have their voices heard. The growing crowd seemed eager to cast their vote and help decide the winner.

New to this type of scene I sat in awe as I watched the battles going on, impressed by everyone’s talent and spirit. All night I noticed how much community there was between all, hugs exchanged, high-fives and general good-naturedness at seeing friends there. Overall I think that the event was a major success! The goal was accomplished without really needing to try, and although I’m to young to vote this time around, I can see that more young people are excited about the elections than ever before.

An awesome night, In The Mind of a Girl