The Queens Public Library in NYC spearheaded an initiative to celebrate 50 years of Hip-Hop that kicked off last month and continues until the culture's official birthday in August.

Collections of Culture: 50 Years of Hip-Hop Inside Libraries, Museums and Archives Libraries will feature a combination of in-person and virtual programs, panel discussions, author talks, and workshops that will explore Hip-Hop's history and influence on American culture. Libraries across the country will take part in the initiatives which were made possible by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The Queens Public Library will assist other libraries and participating institutions in creating various programs that they will archive for posterity.

The Queens Public Library has built its own collection of artifacts that document Hip-Hop's history and legacy in Queens. The collection and program were launched in 2015 and coordinated by music video producer and Video Music Box creator Ralph McDaniels. Hip-Hop has been used as a learning tool for many years," Mc Daniels said in a statement to Rolling Stone. "We are humbled by the IMLS grant and the response we have received from our partners and collaborators and excited that communities around the country will come together to deepen their understanding of Hip-Hop as it turns 50."

Collections of Culture has featured a day-long symposium on Hip-Hop fashion, a conversation about Hip-Hop's history with Chuck D of Public Enemy, and a special vinyl listening party. Upcoming events include a Mental health & Hip-Hop conversation at Virginia Tech on March 15 and The History of Hip_Hop and Its Impact on Global Culture hosted by the Black Caucus of the American Library Association on April 20.