April 19th is the 158th anniversary of the birth of Rotary founder Paul Harris, the Chicago lawyer who gathered several acquaintances in 1905 for a meeting “in fellowship and friendship" and started a movement that would grow into a worldwide force for good. Today, Rotarians still come together to create lasting impact through service, innovation, and leadership. Our power lies not in words alone, but in the collective action of people who are ready to make a difference.
Speaking of words, the 158-year-old story of Rotary has a recent recounting that blends old and new. While Paul Harris never rapped during his lifetime, a viral AI-generated video released in late 2025 and early 2026 features a digital version of him "dropping hip-hop beats" to promote the organization. The video, created by Marshall Butler and the team from Rotary Zones 33/34, reimagines Harris with the energy of Hamilton: An American Musical to appeal to a younger generation.
The lyrics celebrate Rotary's history, starting with its founding, and focus on core values like "Service Above Self," friendship, and global impact. The verses highlight Rotary's work in clean water, literacy, peace-building, and fighting disease. It’s a creative message that aims to spark a "Rotary Revolution" by showing that the organization's century-old mission remains relevant and innovative today.
The video has been widely shared across Facebook, Instagram, and Vimeo, and is available on You Tube. It also promotes the Williamsburg, VA Rotary Zone Summit this year.
Comments