Delaware Art Museum to Host 3rd Annual Hip Hop Cultural Summit
September 9, 2025
Event to feature Run-DMC co-founder Darryl “DMC” McDaniels and explore Hip Hop’s role in race and culture
WILMINGTON, Del. — The Delaware Art Museum will host its third annual Hip Hop Cultural Summit on Saturday, Oct. 18, bringing together artists, scholars and community leaders for a daylong exploration of Hip Hop’s influence on race, social justice and civic engagement.
This year’s summit coincides with the opening of Imprinted: Illustrating Race, a traveling exhibition organized by the Norman Rockwell Museum. Headlining the event is Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, co-founder of the pioneering rap group Run-DMC.
“His presence connects Hip Hop’s roots to its future, making this year’s gathering truly historic,” said Dr. Grouchy Greg Watkins, co-founder of AllHipHop.
Iz Balleto, cultural programs manager for the museum and co-founder of Guerrilla Republik, said the summit continues to highlight Hip Hop’s deeper purpose. “We must continue to re-educate the true purpose of Hip Hop culture, the meaning behind it, and its impact on the community and the world,” he said.
Submitted Photo
The event, presented by AllHipHop, Guerrilla Republik and the Delaware Art Museum, will feature performances, panel discussions, visual art, and interactive sessions.
Program highlights include:
– RadioShach as host
– DJ sets with SoulBuck and DJ CRUZ KHAOZ
– A panel on Rosedale Beach with Tamara Burks and Dr. Grouchy Greg Watkins
– A panel on Hip Hop and race featuring Steve Lobel, Martha Diaz, Nataani Means, Michele Byrd-McPhee and Rabb Love, moderated by Power 99’s Roxy Romeo
– A keynote discussion between AllHipHop co-founder Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur and McDaniels
– A book signing with McDaniels
– MC battles
– An all-female breakdancing exhibition
– A visual art showcase from local artists exploring Hip Hop’s impact on race and culture
– Food trucks and vendors on site
The summit runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free for members, $10 for non-members, $6 for youth ages 7 to 18, and free for children under 6.
More details, including registration, are available at allhiphop.com/summit.
Written by Purpose PR Agency, LLC