Vincent Johnson
       Staff Writer

Next week on Feb. 23 at 5 p.m., the UNCG student chapter of the NAACP will feature a panel discussion that will explore the meanings behind some of hip hop’s most important lyrics. As the second event of its time here at UNCG, the title of the event is “The Power of Hip-Hop Part 2.”

Regina Da Silva, one of the student leaders of the NAACP chapter at UNCG, shared some of her thoughts about the inspiration behind the event. “Music is and has always been an interest for our generation,” she explained. “It’s one thing we all have in common no matter our racial backgrounds, genders and sometimes even cultures. We knew it would draw a crowd and finally create conversation with different insights and perspectives.”

Da Silva also spoke on some of the things that they learned through the first “Power of Hip-Hop” event. “[It was about] the appreciation for ‘90s hip-hop, the influence music has on the black community and the common conversation everyone can add to. We had a panel that consisted of two members of UNCG’s faculty, a UNCG female student and an NCAT male student, all bringing the ‘90s and modern day themes of hip-hop together,” Da Silva said.

Lastly, Da Silva gave details about the organization’s goal for “Part 2,” and what she sees as the ultimate value of hip-hop to black students in America. “We want to continue our conversation on conscious vs. modern hip-hop artists,” she began.

“Time cut the dialogue short during our first event. Part two will give students the opportunity to dissect lyrics of conscious artists and exchange ideas and perspectives focused around personal upbringings and the impact those types of lyrics can have on the black community,” Da Silva said.

“Part one never provided the opportunity to actually listen to any songs, other than the artists [Students at UNCG: Tymain Robbins and Tre Maryland] who performed. As seen at the event, hip-hop has been a source of power for many students from the black community. It is a voice for the people, speaking out against violence, police brutality, political and economic oppression the black communities were subjected to.”

Da Silva continued, “We find these hip-hop artists becoming inspirations to the youth, heroes and role models. Especially those who are relatable. But hip-hop heals through empowerment and it is forever changing. The artists, the messages and the music — they all change with time.”

Be sure to come out and exchange ideas as the panel reflects on hip-hop and the value that it has within our culture.