Voices of Foster care

Hi! Did you know that Voices of Foster Care is our special cause? On this page, you will find initiatives, creative products, and opportunities to contribute to creative output that support our mission at HIP, to create a more positive image of those of us who were raised in foster care.

My Manic Mother

Set in 1974, “My Manic Mother” is a poetic music video that traces the haunting memories of a mixed-race Black and Irish girl growing up in foster care. Through vivid storytelling, lyrical testimony, and symbolic imagery — a cracked windowpane, a screaming train, a calendar of empty Saturdays — she recalls the trauma of being offered to strangers and the salvation of a mysterious Black Pantheress with an afro and cherry lipstick. This is a story of longing, survival, and rebirth. A foster care poem wrapped in rhythm, rage, and resilience.

OFF THE HOOK EDUTAINMENT CURRICULA

HIP SOUL FESTIVAL WORKSHOP

An Electric Church Community Initiative

✨ Voices of Foster Care: Honoring Legacy, Empowering Futures

In loving memory of our brother and collaborator, D’Wayne Wiggins, whose visionary spirit continues to guide our work, HIP Inc. proudly presents the next chapter of HIP Soul Fest in the Chicago area.

This vibrant, family-friendly showcase celebrates the full spectrum of artistic expression—from Folk and Opera to Rap and Poetic Theater—all performed with the soul-stirring energy of a live band. It is a clean, curated space where healing meets performance, and legacy meets innovation.

🎭 6-Week Workshop & Shadow Program
Launching April 2026 in downtown Hammond, Indiana

HIP Soul Fest is more than a stage—it’s a sanctuary for growth. Our six-week workshop offers:

• Hands-on training in music, theater, and public speaking
• Shadowing opportunities with seasoned artists and producers
• Creative mentorship for emerging talent and young adults recently aged out of foster care