As part of the U-M’s 29th celebration of the annual MLK Symposium, the School of Education will host First Wave Hip Hop and Urban Arts Learning Community for its inaugural performance at U-M.
First Wave is a diverse collective of spoken word poets, emcees, dancers, singers, actors and hip-hop artist-scholars and activists attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Their work highlights the tensions, dilemmas and opportunities that emerge on a college campus that aspires to be diverse and inclusive.
Their performance, “Poetic Storytelling: A Spoken Word Performance on Diversity, Inclusion and Social Justice on the College Campus,” will take place from 4-5:30 p.m. Jan. 19 in Rackham Auditorium.
A “talk back” session will follow to apply First Wave’s message to U-M as it works to advance equity and inclusion on and beyond campus.
Founded in 2007 by UW’s Office of Multicultural Arts and Initiatives, First Wave draws upon the artistry, resources and perspectives of hip hop to produce dramatic theater and choreography on pressing, provocative and often silenced social justice issues.
The ensemble has performed in England, Mexico, Panama, Africa, Australia and Jamaica, as well as across the continental United States, including annual featured performances in New York City.
