This program is part of OBPL’s annual Sankofa Festival celebrating Black Literature & Culture.
Join us for an engaging and thought-provoking conversation exploring the powerful relationship between Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and the evolution of hip hop—from its Golden Era to today’s global influence. This panel will trace how HBCU campuses served as incubators for cultural expression, activism, and musical innovation, shaping not only the sound but the soul of the genre.
We’ll dive into:
The role of HBCUs in cultivating early hip hop talent and community organizing through campus radio, parties, and Hip Hop Summits
How homecomings and step shows became key platforms for rising artists to solidify their careers
The educational and social shifts on campus influenced by the music and its message
The ongoing legacy of hip hop as a tool for empowerment, identity, and cultural pride within HBCU spaces
Whether you came of age during the era of Public Enemy and A Tribe Called Quest or today’s Kendrick and J. Cole, this panel will connect generations through the shared rhythm of education, culture, and Black excellence.