"A hip-hop mindset is a set of professional practices that respects and values being both original and innovative. It is a professional approach that welcomes new ways of knowing, being and doing. Creativity is central. Hip-hop habits of mind are marked by high levels of drive, hunger, confidence, and self-worth. Hip-hop culture also demands an ethic of excellence. We command attention. We claim our space. In other words we own the spaces that we occupy. We also celebrate our greatness--brag, boast, pose. These are all necessary forms of self-love. But hip-hop is also a space of honor, integrity, kinship and grace. Most importantly, the hip-hop mindset gives us all (students, educators or any professional) the permission to show up in life as your full authentic self and to shine in your own culturally unique way. It gives us freedom"--

Toby S. Jenkins is a professor of higher education administration and interim associate dean of diversity, equity and inclusion in the Graduate School at the University of South Carolina.