Simmons College

Over 300 people attended this unique cross generational conversation about the relationship between racism, black nationalism, feminism and women in the hip-hop generation featuring authors Patricia Hill Collins and Imani Perry. A diverse audience in terms of age, race, class, sexuality, and professions, including community activists, Boston Public School students, local artists, musicians, Simmons alumnae, students and faculty, participated in this standing-room only event. It was featured in the Bay State Banner and the Simmons Voice.

This stimulating presentation sharpened the political analysis of audience participants. Collins explained that some of the tension between hip-hop and feminism stems from hip-hop's roots in black nationalism. According to the Bay State Banner, Perry discussed the financial and other rewards given to sexualized models and dancers who are in the hip-hop videos by saying, "It might be empowering for the individual in the video, but it isn't for the black women everywhere who are groped, harassed and asked to ‘shake it like a saltshaker.'"

The mission of CNW is to use the power of words and ideas to strengthen the role of progressive and marginalized women in American society. By hosting events in collaboration with the Center for New Words (CNW), SILC helps to support them in maintaining a community space for women and their writing. Jaclyn Friedman and Gilda Bruckman from CNW emailed this comment, "Our partnership with SILC continues to be one of our strongest, most innovative, and most reliable. Because of your high standing in the community and your central location, diverse communities from all around Boston are drawn in large numbers to our cosponsored events. These are communities that do not often get a chance to interact with each other in such a fertile and supportive environment. Each event [brought] together community activists and engaged academics for a dynamic conversation that informed and strengthened both communities."

Partner: Center for New Words