Central Virginia's Two HBCU's Partner For an In-Depth Intellectual Discussion on Hip-Hop
VSU and VUU host a virtual symposium to examine the contributions and cultural traditions of the Hip-Hop art form.
Virginia State University (VSU) is pleased to announce a partnership with Virginia Union University (VUU) for an in-depth intellectual discussion on hip-hop.
The Institute of Hip-Hop and Cultural Studies is a course currently being developed at Virginia State University. The symposium, My Philosophy: The Rise of Hip-Hop Studies in the Academy, will examine the art form as an extension of Black artistic contributions and cultural traditions. The virtual symposium is the inaugural event of several joint VSU and VUU collegiate Hip-Hop Studies initiatives.
“I am excited to collaborate with Virginia Union University on this historic event,” said Dr. Kawachi A. Clemons, Vice Provost of Academics, Innovation, and Strategic Initiatives. “Hip-Hop plays a major role in black culture, and this symposium provides our students an opportunity to explore that role. In addition, it opens doors to engage in an intergenerational and in-depth discussion guided by Hip-Hop experts and scholars.”
The Hip Hop Symposium will feature renowned archivist, curator, educator, and VUU visiting scholar Martha Diaz; Dr. Kawachi Clemons, Vice Provost of Academics, Innovation, and Strategic Initiatives; Dr. Jemayne King, VSU Director of the Institute of Hip Hop & Cultural Studies. In addition, the symposium will feature more than a dozen colleges and universities to include Columbia College, Harvard, and Loyola University.
“I think it is amazing that VUU and VSU are partnering on ways to further the discussion of Hip Hop in the classroom,” said Ricky Parker, Special Projects Director for the Center for African American History and Culture at VUU.
As Virginia State University endeavors to meet the educational needs of students, this ground-breaking collaboration that involves faculty, students, academia, and other key stakeholders in the field of Hip Hop Studies and Cultural Arts aligns with the VSU mission, values, and overall commitment to excellence.
The symposium will be held virtually on May 2, 2022, at 4:00PM. Click HERE to register to attend the free symposium.