Founded in 1973, Zulu Nation became the cornerstone of hip-hop, uplifting millions around the world through art, music and culture fused by its mantra “peace, unity, love, and having fun”. Zulu Nation began throwing DJ block parties making space for Black and Latinx youth empowerment and self-discovery, and when Afrika Bambaataa dropped the electro-funk hit song “Planet Rock” in 1982, he catapulted to international fame, setting the stage to amplify Zulu Nation worldwide.

Local chapters sprung up everywhere in America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Nineties groups like De La Soul, Queen Latifah and A Tribe Called Quest nodded to their Zulu-infused consciousness of black identity and Afrocentrism. Graffiti art, fashion, and dance all became part of the Zulu expression. By 2001, there were over fifty chapters with thousands of members around the world who were organizing community events, block parties, and breakdancing battles.