BLAKE BUBAK
bubakbt@lopers.unk.edu
UNK is pleased to welcome Aisha Fukushima as she presents RAPtivisim to kick start Black History Month. Courtesy of the Office of Student Diversity and Inclusion, the event will take place on Thursday, Feb. 6 at 6 p.m. in the UNK Fine Arts Recital Hall.
With it being RAPtivism’s first time on campus, attendees will get the chance to learn about various topics from a whole new perspective.
“My main hope is that students will be encouraged to pay attention to these sorts of issues around global citizenship, empowerment, feminism and racial equality,” said Luis Olivas, the diversity coordinator for the event.
Fukushima’s RAPtivism provides an opportunity to do just that. Placing an emphasis on the hip hop genre, RAPtivism has expanded to the global sector reaching 10 countries and four continents. It is a concept that uses music to connect with culture in a way that combats the current problems with freedom and justice. Persuading individuals to challenge the norms of indifference, ignorance and oppression within society. Fukushima is recognized as a singer, speaker and educator that embraces the power of expression and shows others the positive effects it can have.
Through the combined efforts of the Black Student Association, family studies, Loper Nights and the Office of Student Diversity and Inclusion, RAPtivism can serve as another tool to increase the cultural diversity on campus and around the community. Members of the public are urged to attend the event with an open mind and willingness to learn about new thoughts and ideas. This also includes an open platform for sharing personal opinions as well as asking difficult questions. It is an event that allows individuals the chance to listen to and discuss topics in a comfortable setting. With RAPtivism being performance based, it also serves as an event for art and hip hop fans alike.
RAPtivism helps to shed light on issues being faced by certain individuals within society.
“I think it’ll be interesting to gain a new perspective on issues people of color have to deal with universally. My hope is that it will be insightful and introspective,” said Njali Kowa, a member of the Black Student Association.
In celebrating the start of Black History Month, Fukushima will be introduced as the keynote performer by representatives from the University. There will be a brief Q and A following the performance.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This event has been cancelled.
