WPU to Host a Hip Hop Symposium March 30th & 31st

William Peace University (WPU) in Raleigh, North Carolina, will host the Hip Hop Higher Ed Symposium on March 30th & 31st. This event seeks to explore the intersections of hip-hop culture and scholarship. The symposium, developed by Aspire2Higher Personal & Professional Development, Inc (A2H), will include performances and conversations led by local and national scholars, artists, emcees, and Triangle community members.

Hip-hop culture has always been a powerful force, resonating with millions around the world. It’s more than just music; it’s an art form that incorporates dance, fashion, and language. Hip-hop has also played a crucial role in the social and political movements of the last few decades, bringing attention to the struggles of marginalized communities and amplifying their voices.

The event will be hosted by Mir.I.Am of K97.5/CEO of Carolina Waves and will feature performances by Dasan Ahanu, Akilah Nehanda, and CypherUnivercity, as well as community dialogue with Rah Digga, one of rap's most prominent women. According to event organizer Stephanie Reed, the symposium's goal is to "explore the intersections of our lived experiences with hip-hop in terms of art, entrepreneurship, gender and sexuality, race, economics, social responsibility and activism, and our collective role as a community."

Day one of the symposia at WPU will include performances, a DJ set including hip-hop trivia, karaoke, giveaways, and a keynote address from Kyesha Jennings, followed by a networking reception. Day two, featuring live performances, will be held nearby at Transfer Co Food Hall.

The symposium is an opportunity for students, academics, and the wider community to engage in public and academic discourse about hip-hop and its relationship to racial justice and other social conditions of the BIPOC community. Reed emphasized the importance of having conversations around these topics, stating that hip-hop has proximity to power and a strong influence in the lives of youth, making it a potent tool for learning and empowerment.

WPU President Brian C. Ralph expressed excitement about partnering with A2H to host a portion of the symposium. "I am confident that our students and all attendees will grow and learn through this creative and innovative program," Ralph said.

The Hip Hop Higher Ed Symposium is free and open to the public and WPU students, though tickets are required. A2H specializes in personal and leadership development, utilizing hip-hop as a cultural marker. WPU is a co-ed four-year university in downtown Raleigh, offering Bachelor's degrees in more than 30 majors for undergraduate and professional studies students. With the University's focus on immersive learning and top-notch faculty passionate about teaching, 96 percent of graduates are employed or in graduate school within one year.

In conclusion, the Hip Hop Higher Ed Symposium at WPU promises to be engaging and enlightening, providing a platform for exploring the relationship between hip-hop culture and scholarship. It's an excellent opportunity for students, academics, and the wider community to come together, celebrate hip-hop culture, and engage in meaningful discussions about social justice issues.

Those interested in purchasing tickets can visit the link here.