Community organization 517 Living (517Living.com) has been promoting goodness in the Greater Lansing (517) Michigan Area since 2014. Founded by Sarah Pierce, the website and social platform uses its ONE Calendar to build awareness of the Best Events happening throughout the year.
In 2022 Pierce introduced the prestigious merit 517 Living Community Member of the Month, bestowing the honor to all-time great Hip Hop artist, DJ, and All of the Above HipHop Academy Executive director Ozay Moore in April of 2023.
In this interview Ozay shares details about who he is, what he does, and what he loves about living in the Greater Lansing Michigan Area.
Who are you?
Ozay Moore – emcee, writer, bboy, executive director, founder, father, husband.
If you own or represent a business or organization, tell us about it (or them).
All of the Above (AOTA) Hip Hop Academy
“We are a non-profit organization made up of artists, educators, and advocates that mentor youth, support artistic expression and serve communities as a Hip Hop Cultural resource for the purpose of youth development.
Our organization provides a variety of classes, workshops, and performance-oriented experiences that support local artistry and provide opportunities for artistic development. Our students learn directly from hip-hop practitioners who are highly respected in their craft.” – AOTA
Tell us about a recent uplifting experience you had in the Greater Lansing Area.
The Capital City Film Festival Red Carpet event was phenomenal! Great usage of an otherwise huge vacant space. Would love to see more of this type of activation. Well done, CCFF.
What’s the most recent “new” (to you) local business or organization you’ve enjoyed discovering?
Ourspace517 is giving this city Life! Shout out to them for real. If you don’t know… you should!
What is one thing, big or small, that you love about living in the Greater Lansing Area?
I love the fact that we’re a small city with big talent. A lot of great energy in the scene right now. It’s beautiful. | By Sarah Pierce
Sarah Pierce is the founder of the website and social platform 517Living. Promoting goodness and the best events in the Greater Lansing (517) Michigan Area, the process of building the platform helped Pierce overcome social anxiety, gave her a more purposeful life, and introduced her to the fascinating behind-the-scenes movers and shakers of her community who are much more “walk” than talk! 517 Living has enriched Pierce’s life, and she hopes it does the same for you.
