Hip hop conference features top artists

Hip Hop Generation’s second annual “Hip Hop As A Movement” conference, April 20-22, at the university focuses on youth activism, the global influence of hip hop and the role of youth and elders in the social justice movement.

The free public conference brings together artists, performers, students, professors and community organizers from around the country. The conference features panel discussions, workshops, and performances, all designed to teach, entertain and provide a forum for members of the hip hop community to develop the necessary strategies and methods to politicize and mobilize the hip hop nation.

Afeni Shakur, former Black Panther and mother of the late Tupac Shakur, will deliver the keynote address entitled: “The Living Legacy of Tupac Shakur.”

In addition to her speech, Shakur will meet with high school students from Madison, Milwaukee and Chicago. Joining her for a roundtable discussion on the role of elders in shaping the hip hop Movement is Rafael Cancel Miranda, Puerto Rican independence activist and former political prisoner; Richard Chavez, co-founder of the United Farm Workers and brother of the late Cesar Chavez; and jazz legend and activist Weldon Irvine.

Artists scheduled to perform include: Afrika Bambaataa, GZA of the Wu-Tang Clan, Bobbito, Tony Touch, Freddie Foxxx, Afu-Ra, Apani B the Fly Emcee, Self-Scientific & Krondon, Jane Doe, Bad Seed, Mystic, Atmosphere, Binary Star, Amareda, La Paz, Queen Godis and others.

This year’s panels address such topics as “Education Not Incarceration,” “The Evolution of DJ Culture,” “Political Prisoners,” “Hip hop In Latin America,” “the War On Drugs,” “Generations of Activism” and more.

Wild Style star and acclaimed artists Lee Quinones will present a special multi media presentation on the history of graffiti along with spray-can visionary Dzine. Other panelists this year include: Minister Muhammad Abdullah, Wendy Day of Rap Coalition, Davey D, Cedric Muhammad of BlackElectorate.com, J-Love, Yvonne Bynoe of Urban Think Tank, Walt “427” Taylor, Fabel, Christie Z. Pabon, Mike “360” Ipiotis, Rachel Raimist, Vee Bravo and Miranda Jane (Stress), Aisha S. Simmons, members of the Black Panther Collective, Brigette Moore of Black Grrrl Revolution, Xavier “X-Man” Nogueras of La Junta, Rosa Clemente of the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement and many more.

To register, visit: http://www.hiphopgeneration.org.

For general information, please e-mail: hiphopgeneration2001@yahoo.com.