Freedom Beats:
A Juneteenth Tribute to Long Island Hip-Hop Legends
Celebrating the voices, artistry, and cultural legacy that helped shape Long Island hip-hop.
June 20, 2026
Cinema Arts Centre, Huntington, New York
The Experience
On June 20, 2026, Share Inform Enlighten and the Carll Hill Foundation, in partnership with the Cinema Arts Centre, presented Freedom Beats: A Juneteenth Tribute to Long Island Hip-Hop Legends — Film, Voices & Legacy.
Held during Juneteenth weekend, this cultural experience celebrated the artists, DJs, and pioneers whose creativity and contributions helped shape Long Island's hip-hop movement and its lasting influence on music and culture.
The program featured a screening of Long Island Underground Legends of Hip Hop, directed by filmmaker Archie Snowden. The documentary provided a powerful look into the artists, experiences, and stories that helped define the region's hip-hop history.
Following the screening, legendary artists and cultural contributors participated in a panel discussion moderated by Cindy Campbell, known as the First Lady of Hip-Hop. Panelists shared personal experiences, reflected on the evolution of the culture, and emphasized the importance of preserving these stories for future generations.
A special appearance by hip-hop pioneer DJ Kool Herc brought an additional historical dimension to the celebration. Music, community engagement, and opportunities for intergenerational connection contributed to an experience honoring both the origins and continuing influence of hip-hop.
Freedom Beats demonstrated the power of film, music, and storytelling to preserve cultural history, celebrate artistic contributions, and bring communities together.
A portion of the proceeds supported the Huntington African American Museum and its mission to preserve and share African American history and cultural heritage.
Moments From Freedom Beats
Artists, Guests & Community Partners
Featured Guests & Panelists
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Archie Snowden – Filmmaker and director of Long Island Underground Legends of Hip Hop, documenting the artists and stories that shaped the region's hip-hop history.
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MC Glamorous – Pioneering Long Island female hip-hop artist whose contributions helped establish a place for women in the region's early hip-hop movement.
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DTA (DIAMOND The Artist) – Hip-hop artist and cultural contributor who participated in the discussion celebrating Long Island's musical legacy.
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Mike “DJ Spider” Watts – Long Island DJ and hip-hop contributor who shared perspectives on the region's music and culture.
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Greg Williams, aka DJ Pleasure – DJ and cultural contributor who joined the conversation reflecting on Long Island's hip-hop history.
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DJ Kool Herc – Special guest, pioneering hip-hop DJ, and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee whose contributions helped establish the foundations of hip-hop culture.
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Community Partners & Supporters
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Share Inform Enlighten (SIE) – Event host and community partner dedicated to amplifying diverse voices, promoting cultural awareness, and creating meaningful educational and community experiences.
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The Carll Hill Foundation – Event host and community partner supporting cultural preservation, education, and the celebration of African American history and heritage.
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Cinema Arts Centre – Host venue and programming partner providing a space for independent film, cultural expression, and meaningful community dialogue.
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Ellen Hughey Reynolds – Event sponsor whose generous support contributed to the Freedom Beats celebration.
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Chef Marc Bynum – Event sponsor whose generous support helped make the Freedom Beats cultural celebration possible.
Community Beneficiary
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Huntington African American Museum – Beneficiary of a portion of the event proceeds, supporting the museum's commitment to preserving and sharing African American history, culture, and the contributions of Black communities on Long Island.
Panel Moderator & Program Curator
Cindy Campbell – Known as the First Lady of Hip-Hop, Cindy Campbell curated the Freedom Beats experience and moderated the panel discussion, connecting generations through the history, culture, and enduring legacy of hip-hop.
Music
Legendary DJ Belal – Provided music that celebrated hip-hop culture and helped create an engaging atmosphere throughout the experience.
“Hip-hop is more than music. It is a powerful expression of culture, identity, creativity, and the stories that connect generations.”