In this episode of Community & Culture Inside Out with DJ Fusion, Papa Kobina, founder of The Hitterz Collective, talks movement, mentorship, and the magic of Madison’s dance scene. From humble beginnings as a high-school crew to a company connecting dancers, musicians, and visual artists, Papa shares how he turned art into impact.

Hear how The Hitterz Collective teaches Black vernacular dance, hosts battles and community events, and helps the next generation unlock their superpowers through movement.

💡 Learn more at thehitterzcollective.com and follow @hitterzcollective for class updates.

In this episode of Community &amp; Culture Inside Out with DJ Fusion, Papa Kobina, founder of The Hitterz Collective, talks movement, mentorship, and the magic of Madison&rsquo;s dance scene. From humble beginnings as a high-school crew to a company connecting dancers, musicians, and visual artists, Papa shares how he turned art into impact.
Hear how The Hitterz Collective teaches Black vernacular dance, hosts battles and community events, and helps the next generation unlock their superpowers through movement.
💡 Learn more at <a href="https://thehitterzcollective.com/" data-start="3814" data-end="3874">thehitterzcollective.com</a> and follow @hitterzcollective for class updates.

Celebrating and uplifting Black Owned Businesses in and around Madison, WI!  

Spreading awareness of unique businesses and amazing causes in partnership with the Madison Black Chamber Of Commerce!

Celebrating and uplifting Black Owned Businesses in and around Madison, WI!  
Spreading awareness of unique businesses and amazing causes in partnership with the Madison Black Chamber Of Commerce!

Community & Culture : Inside Out

DJ Fusion presents Community & Culture: Inside Out

Celebrating and uplifting Black Owned Businesses and community advocates in and around Madison, WI.  Spreading awareness of unique businesses and amazing causes to bring Unity in the Community!

DJ Fusion presents Community &amp; Culture: Inside Out
Celebrating and uplifting Black Owned Businesses and community advocates in and around Madison, WI.  Spreading awareness of unique businesses and amazing causes to bring Unity in the Community!

Community & Culture: Inside Out

Hitterz Collective: How Papa Kobina Is Using Dance To Build Community and Culture in Madison

Discover how One City Schools is transforming public education in Madison, Wisconsin with its unique charter model, two,generation impact approach, and vision to develop tomorrow's leaders. Check out Fusion's exclusive interview with founder Kaleem Caire and board member Noble Ray.

A Bold Vision for Education in Madison

At the heart of Madison’s south side stands a movement that’s redefining what public education can look like. One City Schools, founded in 2014 by Kaleem Caire, is more than a charter school network—it’s a community,powered revolution with the mission to cultivate future leaders who are not only academically prepared but also passionate about changing the world for the better.

In an exclusive interview with DJ Fusion on 93.1 JAMZ's Fusion Afternoons, Kaleem Caire and former Madison Police Chief and current One City board member Noble Ray shared powerful insights into their work, growth, and goals for the future.

A Mission Rooted in Equity and Excellence

One City Schools operates with a clear mission: to prepare children for college, careers, and community leadership. Through an extended school year and longer school days, they ensure that every child—especially those historically underserved—has the time, support, and environment they need to thrive.

"We’re producing transformational leaders," said Caire. "Our kids are joyful, engaged, and motivated. We’re working with a high,need population, and it shows in our academic gains."

A Two,Generation Impact Approach

One City isn’t just educating kids—they’re empowering families. With programs serving children from infancy through 8th grade, they take a holistic approach to success, combining rigorous academics with family and community engagement. The preschool accepts children as young as two, while staff with infants can enroll them onsite in the school’s infant center.

What Sets One City Apart

As a public charter school authorized by the Universities of Wisconsin, One City is open to students from across the state. With no entrance exams and a lottery,based admission when applications exceed capacity, equity is baked into the process.

Key features include:

Year,round academic calendar (ending in mid,July) , Athletics from kindergarten through middle school , Diverse extracurriculars like golf, ice skating, and Topgolf partnerships , Strong father involvement and parent,teacher engagement , High staff retention and community volunteerism

Real Results, Real Progress

Despite the challenges brought on by the pandemic, One City Schools has delivered impressive academic growth. From 2023–2024 alone:

Black student reading proficiency rose from 2% to 21% , Latino student reading proficiency jumped from 16% to 42% , In third and fourth grade, the gains were even greater—up to 60% for Latino students

"We’re showing what’s possible when you believe in kids," Caire noted. "We’re not just trying to catch up—we’re setting the bar."

A Culture of Belonging and Joy

Visitors to One City consistently notice three things: the joy on students’ faces, deep engagement in learning, and a visible, diverse parent presence—especially fathers. The culture is vibrant, welcoming, and focused on developing proud, solution,driven young leaders.

Community Partnership, Not Competition

One City Schools works alongside MMSD and other local districts to elevate all students, not divide them. As Noble Ray emphasized, "Education is too important to lock into one model. We need innovation, collaboration, and community commitment."

10th Anniversary Celebration: Rally for Our Future

On July 10, 2025, One City Schools will host "Rally for Our Future" at The Sylvee in Madison. Featuring keynote speaker LeVar Burton and education icon Dr. Gloria Ladson,Billings, this celebration is both a fundraiser and a rallying cry for the future of Wisconsin’s children.

Proceeds from the event will support One City’s operating costs and ongoing renovations at their Pleasant Rowland Leadership Campus—a 157,000,square,foot hub for K–8 education on Madison’s Beltline.

How You Can Support One City

Attend the Rally on July 10: Tickets available at weareonecity.org and The Sylvee’s website , Donate: Your support helps bridge the funding gap between charter and traditional public schools , Visit the school: See the difference for yourself , Spread the word: Share their mission, stories, and success

One City Schools is building more than a school system—they’re building a movement. A movement focused on joy, achievement, and leadership for all children, especially those too often left behind. With ten years of proof and a bold vision for the future, One City is creating the change Wisconsin needs—one student at a time.

Discover how One City Schools is transforming public education in Madison, Wisconsin with its unique charter model, two,generation impact approach, and vision to develop tomorrow's leaders. Check out Fusion's exclusive interview with founder Kaleem Caire and board member Noble Ray.
A Bold Vision for Education in Madison
At the heart of Madison&rsquo;s south side stands a movement that&rsquo;s redefining what public education can look like. One City Schools, founded in 2014 by Kaleem Caire, is more than a charter school network&mdash;it&rsquo;s a community,powered revolution with the mission to cultivate future leaders who are not only academically prepared but also passionate about changing the world for the better.
In an exclusive interview with DJ Fusion on 93.1 JAMZ's Fusion Afternoons, Kaleem Caire and former Madison Police Chief and current One City board member Noble Ray shared powerful insights into their work, growth, and goals for the future.
A Mission Rooted in Equity and Excellence
One City Schools operates with a clear mission: to prepare children for college, careers, and community leadership. Through an extended school year and longer school days, they ensure that every child&mdash;especially those historically underserved&mdash;has the time, support, and environment they need to thrive.
"We&rsquo;re producing transformational leaders," said Caire. "Our kids are joyful, engaged, and motivated. We&rsquo;re working with a high,need population, and it shows in our academic gains."
A Two,Generation Impact Approach
One City isn&rsquo;t just educating kids&mdash;they&rsquo;re empowering families. With programs serving children from infancy through 8th grade, they take a holistic approach to success, combining rigorous academics with family and community engagement. The preschool accepts children as young as two, while staff with infants can enroll them onsite in the school&rsquo;s infant center.
What Sets One City Apart
As a public charter school authorized by the Universities of Wisconsin, One City is open to students from across the state. With no entrance exams and a lottery,based admission when applications exceed capacity, equity is baked into the process.
Key features include:
Year,round academic calendar (ending in mid,July) , Athletics from kindergarten through middle school , Diverse extracurriculars like golf, ice skating, and Topgolf partnerships , Strong father involvement and parent,teacher engagement , High staff retention and community volunteerism
Real Results, Real Progress
Despite the challenges brought on by the pandemic, One City Schools has delivered impressive academic growth. From 2023&ndash;2024 alone:
Black student reading proficiency rose from 2% to 21% , Latino student reading proficiency jumped from 16% to 42% , In third and fourth grade, the gains were even greater&mdash;up to 60% for Latino students
"We&rsquo;re showing what&rsquo;s possible when you believe in kids," Caire noted. "We&rsquo;re not just trying to catch up&mdash;we&rsquo;re setting the bar."
A Culture of Belonging and Joy
Visitors to One City consistently notice three things: the joy on students&rsquo; faces, deep engagement in learning, and a visible, diverse parent presence&mdash;especially fathers. The culture is vibrant, welcoming, and focused on developing proud, solution,driven young leaders.
Community Partnership, Not Competition
One City Schools works alongside MMSD and other local districts to elevate all students, not divide them. As Noble Ray emphasized, "Education is too important to lock into one model. We need innovation, collaboration, and community commitment."
10th Anniversary Celebration: Rally for Our Future
On July 10, 2025, One City Schools will host "Rally for Our Future" at The Sylvee in Madison. Featuring keynote speaker LeVar Burton and education icon Dr. Gloria Ladson,Billings, this celebration is both a fundraiser and a rallying cry for the future of Wisconsin&rsquo;s children.
Proceeds from the event will support One City&rsquo;s operating costs and ongoing renovations at their Pleasant Rowland Leadership Campus&mdash;a 157,000,square,foot hub for K&ndash;8 education on Madison&rsquo;s Beltline.
How You Can Support One City
Attend the Rally on July 10: Tickets available at <a href="https://weareonecity.org/">weareonecity.org</a> and <a>The Sylvee&rsquo;s website</a> , Donate: Your support helps bridge the funding gap between charter and traditional public schools , Visit the school: See the difference for yourself , Spread the word: Share their mission, stories, and success
One City Schools is building more than a school system&mdash;they&rsquo;re building a movement. A movement focused on joy, achievement, and leadership for all children, especially those too often left behind. With ten years of proof and a bold vision for the future, One City is creating the change Wisconsin needs&mdash;one student at a time.

Inside One City Schools: A Decade of Innovation, Impact, and Future,Focused Education in Madison

DJ Fusion sits down with Siobhan Jackson, the powerhouse behind Nehemiah Center for Urban Leadership Development’s Justified Anger Courses. As the Director of Adult Education, Siobhan is on a mission to educate, empower, and equip allies to be part of real systems change led by Black leadership. She shares insights on the mission of Nehemiah, the challenges facing adult learners—especially in marginalized communities—and how education can be a catalyst for transformation. Siobhan also opens up about a powerful success story that highlights the real impact of her work and discusses what needs to change in Madison to create more opportunities for Black and brown learners. With a background in nonprofit musical theater and arts education, she brings a unique perspective on the role of creativity and knowledge in community empowerment. This conversation is all about learning, growing, and taking action. For more on Justified Anger Courses, visit courses.justifiedanger.com or contact Siobhan at sjackson@nehemiah.org.

The Nehemiah Center for Urban Leadership Development is a driving force for racial justice, community empowerment, and leadership development in Madison. Committed to transforming systems and uplifting Black voices, Nehemiah provides education, advocacy, and resources to equip individuals and organizations for meaningful change. Through programs like Justified Anger, they address racial disparities by fostering deep learning, community connection, and action-oriented solutions. Their work supports formerly incarcerated individuals, empowers youth, and strengthens families, all while cultivating Black leadership at every level. Huge shoutout to Dr. Alex Gee for his support in launching Community & Culture Inside Out.


For more on Nehemiah and its impact, visit nehemiah.org.

DJ Fusion sits down with Siobhan Jackson, the powerhouse behind Nehemiah Center for Urban Leadership Development&rsquo;s Justified Anger Courses. As the Director of Adult Education, Siobhan is on a mission to educate, empower, and equip allies to be part of real systems change led by Black leadership. She shares insights on the mission of Nehemiah, the challenges facing adult learners&mdash;especially in marginalized communities&mdash;and how education can be a catalyst for transformation. Siobhan also opens up about a powerful success story that highlights the real impact of her work and discusses what needs to change in Madison to create more opportunities for Black and brown learners. With a background in nonprofit musical theater and arts education, she brings a unique perspective on the role of creativity and knowledge in community empowerment. This conversation is all about learning, growing, and taking action. For more on Justified Anger Courses, visit <a href="http://courses.justifiedanger.com/" data-start="973" data-end="1036">courses.justifiedanger.com</a> or contact Siobhan at <a href="mailto:sjackson@nehemiah.org">sjackson@nehemiah.org</a>. The Nehemiah Center for Urban Leadership Development is a driving force for racial justice, community empowerment, and leadership development in Madison. Committed to transforming systems and uplifting Black voices, Nehemiah provides education, advocacy, and resources to equip individuals and organizations for meaningful change. Through programs like Justified Anger, they address racial disparities by fostering deep learning, community connection, and action-oriented solutions. Their work supports formerly incarcerated individuals, empowers youth, and strengthens families, all while cultivating Black leadership at every level. Huge shoutout to Dr. Alex Gee for his support in launching Community &amp; Culture Inside Out.
 For more on Nehemiah and its impact, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://nehemiah.org/" data-start="876" data-end="911">nehemiah.org</a>.

Siobhan from The Nehemiah Center For Urban Leadership 

Revolutionizing Music Distribution for Independent Artists

In today’s fast-paced digital music landscape, artists need more than just talent—they need the right tools, resources, and strategic distribution to maximize their reach. Enter Maverick Global Distribution, a Black-owned powerhouse founded by DJ Chill aka Will, dedicated to giving artists control over their music and money. This independent music distribution company is transforming the way artists share their music with the world, empowering them with the support they need to thrive in the industry.

Why Choose Maverick Global Distribution?Be a Maverick Artist

Maverick Global Distribution connects artists to over 500+ music blogs, magazines, online music stores, and streaming platforms worldwide. Whether you’re a rising star or an established act, their artist-first approach ensures your music gets the attention it deserves.

Comprehensive Digital Marketing Packages

Beyond distribution, Maverick offers specialized digital marketing packages designed to increase awareness of new releases, tours, and videos. With expert guidance from their marketing team, artists can expand their fan base and boost engagement on social media.

Access Your Future Royalties Now with DISTROadvance

For many independent artists, financial hurdles can stall progress. Maverick’s DISTROadvance program is a game-changer, allowing eligible artists to access future streaming royalties upfront to fund essential career moves, such as:
Touring expenses
PR, marketing, and promotions
Recording, production, and album pressing (including vinyl)

How DISTROadvance Works
Apply – Fill out a simple application.
Review Process – The team assesses your submission and streaming data.
Offer – If eligible, Maverick provides a custom offer.
Acceptance & Payment – Once accepted, payments are processed within 14 days.
Tracking – Artists can monitor their repayment progress via the payments dashboard.

Features That Set Maverick Apart

When you distribute with Maverick Global Distribution, you gain access to industry-leading benefits,

 including:

✔ Unlimited song and album uploads 
✔ 100% copyright retention
✔ Global distribution to 100+ platforms (Spotify, TikTok, Apple Music, etc.)
✔ Automatic royalty split management
✔ Detailed streaming analytics and insights
✔ Free barcodes, ISRC codes & iTunes pre-orders
✔ Fast delivery to stores, pre-save links, and smart URLs
✔ 24/7 dedicated artist support
✔ Direct royalty payments to your bank account
✔ Access to royalty advances

Join the Music Revolution Today

Maverick Global Distribution isn’t just another distributor—it’s a movement. By prioritizing independent artists and transparency, DJ Chill and his team are reshaping the industry to ensure artists stay in control of their careers while reaching a global audience.

Are you ready totake your music to the next level? Be a Maverick Artist today and experience a distribution service built with your success in mind.

🚀 Sign up now and start your journey with Maverick Global Distribution!

Revolutionizing Music Distribution for Independent Artists
In today&rsquo;s fast-paced digital music landscape, artists need more than just talent&mdash;they need the right tools, resources, and strategic distribution to maximize their reach. Enter Maverick Global Distribution, a Black-owned powerhouse founded by DJ Chill aka Will, dedicated to giving artists control over their music and money. This independent music distribution company is transforming the way artists share their music with the world, empowering them with the support they need to thrive in the industry.
Why Choose Maverick Global Distribution? Be a Maverick Artist
Maverick Global Distribution connects artists to over 500+ music blogs, magazines, online music stores, and streaming platforms worldwide. Whether you&rsquo;re a rising star or an established act, their artist-first approach ensures your music gets the attention it deserves.
Comprehensive Digital Marketing Packages
Beyond distribution, Maverick offers specialized digital marketing packages designed to increase awareness of new releases, tours, and videos. With expert guidance from their marketing team, artists can expand their fan base and boost engagement on social media.
Access Your Future Royalties Now with DISTROadvance
For many independent artists, financial hurdles can stall progress. Maverick&rsquo;s DISTROadvance program is a game-changer, allowing eligible artists to access future streaming royalties upfront to fund essential career moves, such as:
<ul data-spread="false">
<li>Touring expenses</li>
<li>PR, marketing, and promotions</li>
<li>Recording, production, and album pressing (including vinyl)</li>
</ul>
How DISTROadvance Works
<ol data-spread="false">
<li>Apply &ndash; Fill out a simple application.</li>
<li>Review Process &ndash; The team assesses your submission and streaming data.</li>
<li>Offer &ndash; If eligible, Maverick provides a custom offer.</li>
<li>Acceptance &amp; Payment &ndash; Once accepted, payments are processed within 14 days.</li>
<li>Tracking &ndash; Artists can monitor their repayment progress via the payments dashboard.</li>
</ol>
Features That Set Maverick Apart
When you distribute with Maverick Global Distribution, you gain access to industry-leading benefits,
&nbsp;including:
✔&nbsp;Unlimited song and album uploads&nbsp; ✔&nbsp;100% copyright retention ✔ Global distribution to 100+ platforms (Spotify, TikTok, Apple Music, etc.) ✔ Automatic royalty split management ✔ Detailed streaming analytics and insights ✔ Free barcodes, ISRC codes &amp; iTunes pre-orders ✔ Fast delivery to stores, pre-save links, and smart URLs ✔ 24/7 dedicated artist support ✔ Direct royalty payments to your bank account ✔ Access to royalty advances
Join the Music Revolution Today
Maverick Global Distribution isn&rsquo;t just another distributor&mdash;it&rsquo;s a movement. By prioritizing independent artists and transparency, DJ Chill and his team are reshaping the industry to ensure artists stay in control of their careers while reaching a global audience.
Are you ready to take your music to the next level? Be a Maverick Artist today and experience a distribution service built with your success in mind.
🚀 <a href="https://www.maverickglobaldistribution.com/">Sign up now and start your journey with Maverick Global Distribution!</a>

Hitterz Collective: How Papa Kobina Is Using Dance To Build Community and Culture in Madison

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