Apr 26, 2022 2 min read

Rapper KRS-One will join Emmy Award-winning writer and scholar-activist Dr. Zoe Spencer as featured panelists during Cal U.’s 16th annual Hip-Hop Conference, set for today through Friday.

The duo will explore “Hip-hop Expression: Theory, Artistic Freedom, & the Oral Tradition” at 4 p.m. Thursday on the Steele Hall Mainstage.

Dr. Todd Carlisle, associate professor of history at California University of Pennsylvania, will moderate the panel, which can also be streamed live at shorturl.at/dgoJX.

Each year, the conference brings well-known hip-hop artists and activists to campus to explore the significance of hip-hop culture.

The multi-day symposium kicks off at 3:30 p.m. today with “Afro-futurism Art,” an exhibition and discussion featuring award-winning artist Brandon Jennings in Duda Hall, Room 303.

The following events will be held Friday in Duda Hall, Room 103:

Noon: “My era of hip-hop is doper than yours! -

• Generation X vs. Millennials roundtable discussion.
• 1 p.m.: “Mental Health & the Hip-Hop Generation” – A panel of experts will explore the impact of hip-hop messages on attitudes toward wellness. Dr. Darla Timbo and Dr. Rueben Brock, assistant professors of psychology at Cal U., will be joined by Dr. Tracie Webb-Bradley from Optum Health Behavioral Solutions. The panel is available for viewing at shorturl.at/eDIX4.

2:30 p.m.: “Critical Race Theory: Red Herrings vs. Realities” -

Panelists will discuss the evolution and political weaponization of Critical Race Theory (CRT). Presenters will be Dr. Michelle Torregano, associate professor of education (Cal U.); Dr. Jane Walsh, professor of sociology (Clarion University); Dr. Jeff Tienes, professor of sociology (Clarion University); Rep. Sean Hornbuckle, West Virginia House of Delegates; and Dr. Tim Konhaus, professor of history (Glenville State University). Watch the panel: shorturl.at/kyGW3.