- March 28, 2015–March 31, 2015
- CFAC 264
From "Represent" to "Welcome to America," an exploration of Hip Hop's role in furthering the cause of justice
This workshop examines ways in which Hip Hop can be used as a tool to fight injustice. Hip Hop music provides an avenue to speak out against social injustice. Hip Hoppers who are actively involved in their respective communities directly address issues of social injustice through acts of mercy, providing examples of model citizens that directly confront racialized stereotypes and facilitate community building across racial lines.
This interactive workshop utilizes multimedia including video and music to trace the progression of Lecrae from reaching out to teens in detention centers through mission trips and culminate in performing on the Jimmy Fallon show while winning two Grammy's. Additional Hip Hop emcees include: J Cole, Gemstones, Tef Poe, Flame and Thi'sl. Each of these emcees represents various ways in which Hip Hop responds to social injustice. They will be placed in the conversation about Lecrae during the respective stages of his progression. Ultimately this workshop challenges scholars, professionals and musicians to reconsider their perceptions of Hip Hop, the usage of terms such as sacred, secular, and "Christian music," and to engage with the systemic injustice negatively impacting our nation.
Recommended pre-workshop listening:
Hip Hop and Justice soundtrack
Recommended pre-workshop reading:
Refocusing and Redefining Hip Hop: An Analysis of Lecrae’s Contribution to Hip Hop
Related reading:
Breaking Bread, Breaking Beats
Presenter Bio:
Travis Harris is a graduate student in William and Mary’s American Studies program. He has a vast array of research interest including African American Religion, African American Studies, Black Popular Culture, Performance Theory and Redemptive Suffering. His scholarship focuses on the intersection of Hip Hop and Christianity. Travis received a B.A. in Religious Studies from the University of Virginia and a M.Div. from the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology of Virginia Union University. During seminary, Travis also worked as the Education Coordinator for the Department of Emergency at the University of Virginia. Additionally, Travis was ordained as a minister of the gospel at First Baptist Church in Charlottesville, VA.
