Hip-hop fans, musicians and performers are invited to a unique, one-day retreat Saturday, Feb. 21, to discuss the importance of hip-hop and its role in society.
The Hip Hop Symposium, presented by the University of Alabama at Birmingham Student Multicultural and Diversity Programs, will include a panel discussion featuring local and national hip-hop artists. The panel will address hip-hop in a global sense, as well as sexism and homophobia in hip-hop, the appropriation of hip-hop, and other topics. Workshops will focus on four pillars of hip-hop: Bboys/girls, MCs, DJs, and graffiti.
The symposium, planned for 10 a.m.-4 p.m., is free and open to the public; lunch will be provided. Attendees should RSVP online to ensure a space. The symposium will be held in UAB’s Bell Theatre, 1220 University Blvd. Sponsors are the UAB Sparkman Center for Global Health and the Black Student Awareness Committee.
A concert will follow the symposium from 5-7 p.m. featuring Birmingham artists Shaheed and DJ Supreme and Sa-Roc the MC from Atlanta.
This event is part of the Free Food For Thought Series at UAB. Free Food For Thought is a dialogue series that encourages building a community that values diversity. Interested participants exchange viewpoints on selected topics, resulting in a greater awareness about issues and experiences across social and personal identities.