Lecture

Rapper Chuck D to Speak on March 9Date & Time: Wed. Mar. 9, 2011 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm Legendary hip hop artist Chuck D, who cofounded the rap group Public Enemy, will visit the UMass Boston to talk about “Race, Rap, and Reality” on Wednesday, March 9.  This free lecture takes place in the Campus Center Ballroom from 3 to 5 p.m. This event was originally scheduled to take place on February 1, but was cancelled due to snow. Best known as leader and cofounder of one of hip hop’s most influential groups of all time, Chuck D redefined rap music and hip hop culture with the release of Public Enemy’s explosive debut album, Yo Bum Rush the Show, in 1987. He is the author of two critically acclaimed books, a political activist, publisher, radio host, and producer. His messages address weighty issues about race, rage, and inequality. Chuck D and Public Enemy were celebrated in the May 2004 issue of Rolling Stone magazine as one of the “50 most important performers in rock & roll history.” In 2007, he was named one of the 100 Most Influential Black Americans by Ebony magazine. Chuck D is also a national spokesperson for Rock the Vote, the National Urban League, and the National Alliance for African American Athletes. He has appeared in numerous public service announcements for national peace and the Partnership for a Drug Free America. As he continues to work on commentary, music, and writing on diversity, politics, rap, and technology, it is clear that there are few who have transcended music and have made an impact as loud as hip hop speaker Chuck D. The event is sponsored by UMass Boston’s Student Arts and Events Council.