10/15/2026
THE PRODIGIES TRAVEL TO PASSING THE MIC 2026 at UW MADISON WISCONSIN! In My Section is proud to collaborate with OMAI First Wave Office of Multicultural Arts Initiatives at UW–Madison to send 8 youth and 2 chaperones to the Passing the Mic Poetry festival October 15-18 at UW Madison. The attitude is GRATITUDE!!
In My Section and the Prodiges were selected from a national field of teams and organizations to represent at Passing the Mic—we are honored to put on for our city and our community. In My Section and UWM is covering 100% of the costs to send our team, including flights, food, and lodging. This is our 5th national travel opportunity for our Pittsburg artists since 2023.
Passing the Mic (PtM) is a dynamic 2-day festival designed to engage, inspire, and recruit prospective scholars for the First Wave Hip Hop Scholarship Program hosted by the Office of Multicultural Arts Initiatives (OMAI). This event brings together students from local and national community organizations whose members excel in civic engagement, artistic excellence, and other qualities that align with the mission of the First Wave program. Through a series of interactive workshops, tours, presentations, and performances, the festival immerses these prospective students in the vibrant community of the University of Wisconsin (UW) and introduces them to the First Wave Hip Hop Scholarship Program’s unique offerings.
During the festival, students will tour the UW campus and the surrounding Madison area, allowing them to envision UW as their potential academic home. They will have the opportunity to connect with current First Wave scholars, engage in collaborative creative projects, and gain a deeper understanding of the program’s curriculum and values. By showcasing the talent and potential of the participants, Passing the Mic emphasizes the program’s commitment to fostering artistic and academic growth within a supportive community. The festival culminates in performances that bring together students and the broader Madison community, further celebrating the power of hip hop as a tool for education, activism, and self-expression.
WE OFF THE STREETS AND ONTO STAGES!! P WHAAAATTTT?!
