In celebration of Black History Month, American rapper Professor Griff took to the stage last Thursday to give a different kind of performance. Most recognized as a defining member in the hip-hop group Public Enemy, The Minister of Information talked about his work with the Black History 101 Mobile Museum. The exhibit, set up in UK’s Student Center, presented over 200 artifacts on the legacy of Malcolm X.
Through original letters, photographs, magazines and other artifacts, Griff said the Necessary! exhibit builds a context for the culture that produced revolutionary thinkers like Malcolm X and continues to influence today’s hip-hop culture.
Griff talked about the importance of social change and the lack of revolutionary thinking in terms of today’s most famous rappers. Griff said revolution must be a complete, constructive, conscious change.
Public Enemy influenced the hip-hop world with political, social and cultural consciousness, developing a strong pro-Black political stance. In 2004, Rolling Stone Magazine ranked Public Enemy#44 on its list of the Immortals: 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.
Click here to listen to some highlights from Griff’s lecture.