This year’s theme, Fine Fury: Celebrating Gwendolyn Brooks at 90, underscores the conference focus on literary artists who, like Ms. Brooks, use their pen as a tool of activism. Ms. Brooks, Illinois’ former poet laureate, would have celebrated her 90th birthday on June 7, 2007. Dr. Donda West, Sonia Sanchez and Martín Espada are joined by other prolific writers and poets of the African Diaspora as part of the 17th Annual Gwendolyn Brooks Writers’ Conference.

This panel of hip hop experts spoke candidly about the powerful relationship between social justice and the hip hop movement. Panelists include: Keisha Price, freelance journalist and former editor of CSU’s student magazine, Tempo; Bakari Kitwana, co-founder of the first National Hip-Hop Political Convention, author, a recognized expert on hip-hop politics by leading news organizations, and former executive editor of The Source; Dr. Donda West, author, Kanya West Foundation Board Chair and former chair of English at CSU; and Adam Matthews, an expert on hip-hop culture and an award-winning journalist specializing in music, pop culture and social issues. Listen in as they talk specifically about the role and responsibility hip hop has in creating an activist generation. 

Events recorded as part of this conference:
The Landscape of Today’s Media
The State of Black Theater
Hip Hop & Social Justice
Keynote Address: Dr. Donda West
Gwendolyn Brooks Panel
A Giant’s Day Celebration of the Life and Works of Sonia Sanchez
Sister Poets In The Black Arts Movement
Conversation with Sonia Sanchez and Haki Madhubuti
Giant’s Day Address

Recorded Friday, October 19, 2007 at Chicago State University.