What began as a powerful message on a T-shirt—pride in being a child of this culture—evolved into community-centered action. Over the next decade, Candy and Cindy transformed their grassroots work into a series of workshops for children as young as 2 years old, outreach programs, leadership development, and creative opportunities that connected youth to mentorship, cultural identity, and movement. Their efforts sparked a growing network of artists, educators, event producers, and community leaders united to uplift Hip Hop's positive image and protect its cultural roots.

 

Through her leadership from 2012 to 2025, Candy G. Foelix helped shape COTC’s foundation and impact. Serving as Vice President and later President, she developed signature programs such as Passport to Hip Hop, the Urban Arts Project, and early instructional frameworks that supported breaking education for youth and educators nationwide. Her visionary leadership grounded COTC in research, cultural integrity, and community care. Though she has stepped back from day-to-day leadership, Candy’s influence remains deeply woven into every program, value, and legacy initiative COTC carries forward.

 

Today, under the continued leadership of Dr. Cindy Foley, COTC stands as a national cultural force grounded in community, education, and empowerment. Cindy guides the foundation’s mission while also serving youth and dancers through her broader work in education and public service.

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What began as a T-shirt idea has become a movement: a nonprofit dedicated to preserving Hip Hop’s story, empowering young people, and ensuring that the next generation not only learns Hip Hop—they inherit it with pride, purpose, and power.