Gabriel 'Asheru' Benn: Where Education Meets Artistry
As both an acclaimed hip-hop artist and seasoned educator, Gabriel brings a unique dual perspective to educational transformation. Creator of the evidence-based R.H.Y.T.H.M. framework, he understands that effective teaching requires both pedagogical skill and cultural authenticity.
Why This Matters: 67% of teachers are white, middle-class women teaching increasingly diverse student populations. Without cultural competency training, even well-intentioned educators can struggle to connect with their students. Gabriel's approach bridges this gap through relationship mastery and asset-based instruction.
Get in touch today at [email protected] or call us at (202) 505-9279 to transform your educational practice.
Our Mission: Empowering Through Creativity
We believe in the transformative power of the arts to drive positive change in education. Our mission is to provide innovative arts education that connects students to their creativity while fostering a culturally responsive learning environment. By bridging art and education, we aim to empower both students and educators to use the arts as a tool for self-expression, growth, and social impact.
Inspiring Creativity and Empowerment
At the heart of what we do is the belief that the arts are a catalyst for change. Our mission is to make arts education accessible, engaging, and impactful, empowering students, artists, and educators to use creativity as a tool for personal and collective growth. We focus on fostering environments where both the arts and education intersect, creating lasting positive effects in communities and classrooms.
Building Stronger Communities Through Arts Education
Our commitment goes beyond teaching art; it’s about building strong, creative communities. Through our programs and collaborations, we work to provide meaningful opportunities for artists and students to connect, learn, and grow together. We believe in creating inclusive spaces where the arts help foster understanding, creativity, and resilience, enriching the lives of everyone involved.
Mission
Our mission is to empower artists, educators, and students through innovative arts education that fosters creativity, cultural responsiveness, and community engagement. We strive to break down barriers to artistic expression and make the arts accessible for all, especially in underserved communities. Through hands-on programs, curriculum design, and professional development, we aim to inspire the next generation of creative thinkers, artists, and educators.
Vision
We envision a world where the arts are a central force in education, creating inclusive and empowering learning environments for all. Our goal is to see every artist and student connect with their creativity, using the arts as a tool for personal growth and social change. By continuing to build sustainable, community-driven initiatives, we hope to inspire future leaders to use their talents for the greater good, ensuring that arts education remains a vital part of every community.
The R.H.Y.T.H.M. Framework: A Transformative Approach to Education
At Guerilla Arts Ink, we believe in more than just teaching; we believe in creating meaningful connections between educators and students. That’s where our R.H.Y.T.H.M. framework comes in. Created by Gabriel "Asheru" Benn, this transformative approach facilitates harmonious relationship building in the classroom through culturally responsive and affirming practices.
The framework is designed to address the diverse needs of students, especially in environments where social-emotional learning and relationship-building are key to success. R.H.Y.T.H.M. focuses on interpersonal cues, an asset-based mindset, and a service-oriented approach to foster better understanding, communication, and collaboration between educators and students. This method encourages educators to step into a leadership role that values cultural identity, mutual respect, and shared learning.
By utilizing R.H.Y.T.H.M., teachers are empowered to create environments that promote emotional safety, open dialogue, and creativity. It's more than a teaching tool; it's a mindset that allows educators to meet students where they are, build strong relationships, and guide them through a more compassionate and effective learning experience.
The results speak for themselves: schools using R.H.Y.T.H.M. see a 40% reduction in behavioral incidents, while 85% of educators report improved student relationships. Programs have a 92% participant retention rate, with students consistently reporting they feel more seen, heard, and valued. Teachers move from surviving to thriving, and community partnerships grow stronger in the process.
The R.H.Y.T.H.M. framework is integrated into many of our professional development programs, including Teaching with "R.H.Y.T.H.M.", a hands-on workshop that brings this approach to life in real classrooms. We also offer books and resources to help educators implement the framework in their own schools.
Explore our workshops and products to start bringing the power of R.H.Y.T.H.M. into your educational practice.
Professional Credentials & Recognition
Our work is built on decades of expertise, trusted partnerships, and a commitment to culturally responsive education.
- 20+ years combined experience in education and the arts
- Federal SAM.gov Verified Vendor
- Approved vendor in 5 jurisdictions across 4 states
- Creator of the R.H.Y.T.H.M. framework
- Featured speaker at national education conferences
- Published author on culturally responsive pedagogy
These credentials reflect our proven impact and dedication to transforming classrooms, communities, and the future of education.
H.E.L.P, The Hip Hop Educational Literacy Program
Founded in 2006, HELP is an innovative approach to literacy instruction that juxtaposes classical literature with popular hip hop lyrics to provide culturally responsive, differentiated, standards based instructional materials for youth grades 4-12, and the teachers who teach them. H.E.L.P. series includes 12 titles, with 60 activities in each, as well as teacher guides that include pre and post assessments, writing rubrics, annotated lyrics, suggested reading lists and more!
Empowering Males of Color
As grant recipients for 2016-2018, we served elementary and high school males through after-school, summer, and school day programs at Ballou HS, Patterson ES, and Bell HS at Columbia Heights Education Campus (CHEC). These programs provided mentorship and creative learning opportunities that supported academic and personal growth.
A Space to Dream: Transforming Communities
Under Mayor Muriel Bowser’s A Space to Dream initiative, we helped transform underutilized spaces across Washington, DC through public art and creative programming. In collaboration with the DMGEO, OAAA, and the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, we produced two impactful projects:
Wellington Park Murals: Two large-scale murals that bring vibrancy and culture to SE DC. Butterfly Park: A reimagined space with new art and community-focused programming in the former Business Incubation and Acceleration area. Triangle Park: In partnership with DPR, Kelly Miller Middle School, and local artists, we revitalized this park in the Deanwood - NE / DC.
These projects have not only beautified public spaces but also fostered a sense of community, creativity, and well-being.
GA SummerArts Boot Camp with DC Achievers
For the last four consecutive summers, In partnership with the College Success Foundation, GA has provided arts and cultural programming and training for 250+high school students, taught by over 25 local creatives across 12 artistic disciplines.
Malcolm X Opportunity Center (MXOC)
An innovative cultural arts pop up designed to engage the community through programming, workshops, classes, and community partnerships, providing participants with access and hands-on exposure to industry professionals and creatives, in an effort to accomplish several goals: to provide workforce development for youth ages 16-24, improve community engagement and beautification efforts, provide access to creative economy and strategies for self-care and mental wellness.
Guerilla Arts Works – Project Portfolio
Discover the impact of Guerilla Arts Ink through our living portfolio. This collection showcases arts education programs, community projects, and cultural initiatives powered by our teaching artists. Explore murals, performances, workshops, and creative collaborations that highlight how we transform education and empower communities through the arts.