THE ENTRY
On August 11, 1973, Cindy Campbell organized a back-to-school party in the recreation room at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue. Her brother, DJ Kool Herc, used two turntables to extend instrumental breaks for dancers.
Hip-hop developed through many people and places, but this documented party has become a widely recognized landmark in the culture’s origin story.
WHY IT MATTERED
The party represents hip-hop’s community roots: affordable technology, local entrepreneurship, creative reuse of records, dance, voice, and neighborhood space.