Hip Hop Icon MC Lyte and Historian/cultural critic Michael Eric Dyson at Hendricks Chapel on the campus of Syracuse University.
In an intimate, yet lively conversation on Tuesday, rap icon MC Lyte and cultural critic Michael Eric Dyson dissected Hip Hop Culture: past present and future.
MC Lyte noted that the real raw Hip Hop lyrics and culture these days come from the slam poets, because a lot of them do it for art’s sake and not for money. She also noted that the corporate take-over of radio (and play-lists) keeps DJs from being able to break new songs like they did back in the day.
Dyson added that we must be careful not to judge with revisionist history because at the time groups such as Public Enemy (now Rock-n-Roll Hall of Famers) were once considered too black and too strong to be played on radio.
The event was co-sponsored by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and the NAACP.
The Syracuse University community mobilized Thursday to help bring awareness to the crisis of violence against women. The vigil was a local companion to the international One Billion Rising effort.
“I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Psalm 34:1
BCCE with Kirk Franklin
The legendary gospel collective known as the Black Celestial Choral Ensemble, or BCCE, celebrates its 35th anniversary this weekend. The BCCE will perform a concert on Saturday in Hendricks Chapel that will include an alumni section as well as guest directors.
Here is a small collection of photographs that have appeared on the SIF site in the past seven years or so from their various annointed performances.
BCCE at the Cora Thomas Gospel Extravaganza
BCCE at Hendricks Chapel
We got a chance to speak with BCCE Director Byron Canada before the concert, and he talked about the history of the group and the significance of this particular anniversary.
Majora Carter, environmental justice advocate and green collar entrepreneur
Environmental justice advocate and green collar entrepreneur Majora Carter visited Syracuse yesterday and spoke for the University lecture series at Hendricks Chapel. She detailed how cities can turn financial disinvestment and environmental degradation into movements for equality and recognition of environmental assets.
Carter had really good things to say about Syracuse, especially the Near West Side Initiative. Her talk wasn’t very long so it’s understandable that she didn’t address Onondaga Creek or the Syracuse University Steam Station.
Wilson Park
I first heard about Carter after her TED Talk a few years ago.
Her organization (Majoracartergroup.com) now promotes micro agribusiness development through green roofs and urban greenhouses.
Vigil for victims of Hurricane Katrina at Syracuse University
Members of the Syracuse University community held an impromptu program for the victims of Hurricane Katrina last night in Hendricks Chapel. Students and members shared experiences about evacuating or returning to clean up the Gulf Region. This week marks the five year anniversary of the storm.
Second only to the Spike Lee’s Katrina films (and interviews), I found the best testimony about the Hurricane and immediate aftermath was given by former Syracuse television executive Gary Wordlaw in 2006.
Members of Delta Sigma Theta discuss their sorority’s rebuilding efforts
