At NorthPark Center, the Portal was a communal attraction and a reminder of the value of in-person, real-world experiences. Working with Northpark, the Portal hosted dialogues and performances with the Dallas Opera, Black Dance Theater, and dozens of local arts and cultural groups. From field trips to curious shoppers, visitors sought out and returned to Northpark Center for the Portal’s evolving schedule of cultural and communal experiences.
It amazes me just how universal hip-hop has become. Here in America it was originally created as a means to express ourselves despite the forces oppressing us. Blacks had few ways to convey their thoughts publicly so we confused creativity with passion in hopes that the words in our hearts would be felt. Today I spoke with a man on the other side of the world who said that positive hip-hop is blooming where he lives in Afghanistan. It’s inspirational to say the least. I’m honored to be able to share my voice with the world. This portal is a gift, a treasure in time that I feel will one day be incredibly impacting! Javier S