On Thursday, December 4, the CIPHER Hip Hop Learning Community hosted its 10th Annual Holiday Bling Gift Fair, highlighting an incredible celebration of culture, creativity, and community. It was made possible because of the collective energy and support of our 25+ talented vendors, campus programs, artists, and community partners. Together, we transformed Skyline College into a vibrant marketplace filled with music, artistry, storytelling, and purpose, all in support of the Rock The School Bells Scholarship Fund.
The attendees were treated to holiday games hosted by Rhymosaurs, a phenomenal set list by the amazing live band, Osada 3; and an amazing curated musical set by DJ Ouiboogie. Attendees also had a chance to scratch and mix vinyl records at the turntable DJ station hosted by SkratchFight.
At the heart of Holiday Bling is the artistry, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurship of our 25+ vendors. They created a vibrant marketplace where community members could discover unique gifts, support small businesses, and connect with creative talent. The vendors of Holiday Bling help strengthen our local economy, uplift cultural expression, and provide pathways for our students to envision themselves as creators and entrepreneurs.
Additionally, thank you to all of the Skyline College programs and services that provided resources and information to our students – Black and Brown Scholars, Project Change, UMOJA, Kababayan, the Business Club, WMLA, and Earth Day Every Day.
Holiday Bling, in its 10th year, is more than a gift fair. It is a tradition rooted in Hip Hop, community, and educational empowerment. Every purchase, performance, and interaction contributes directly to the Rock The School Bells Scholarship Fund, which supports students in pursuing their academic and creative goals. Through this event, we invest not only in local artists and businesses but also in the next generation of scholars, dreamers, and changemakers.
Thank you to everyone who contributed, performed, volunteered, and showed love. Because of you, our 10th Annual Holiday Bling Gift Fair was a powerful reminder of what happens when culture, community, and education come together.
If you were unable to make it this year but want to support our local vendors, please follow them on Instagram.
@iriesbitesdc @Calabrated_chakras @linked.by.soph @napintas_shop @treenutcreations @smiles_oasis_trading_co @thewhiptbaker @lottaworldwide @rhymosaurs @madewithamorcito @mahikamade @nietos_photo @courtneyannevocal @skylinebusinessclub @shiningcharge @issosanfrancisco @kaya_kind @homie.sf @romaniroots @haramochidonuts @nafconusa @anakbayandalycity
You can also donate directly here to our Rock The School Bells Scholarship Fund through the SMCCD Foundation.
Special shout out to Marisa Thigpen and Ariadna Flores Lopez for their coordination efforts in creating an amazing Holiday Bling along with the many volunteers who dedicated their time to help create the space of community, creativity, and Hip Hop.
For more information about the CIPHER Hip Hop Learning Community, please contact Dr. Nate Nevado at nevadon@smccd.edu.
Article and photos by Nate Nevado
