Hip Hop and American Culture

Can music shape public opinions and foster social change? Does music expand our cultural knowledge or reinforce stereotypes? How does Hip Hop affect perceptions of youth, class, power and authority? This program examines how the specific musical genre, Hip Hop, has transformed the world through musical fusion, rhetorical jousting, cultural innovation, entrepreneurial-ism, and political commentary. We will explore its origins and elements, and discuss its impact in the U.S. and contemporary multi-racial, and multi-generational, society.

Matthew Whitaker is a decorated educator, historian, author, social justice advocate, motivational speaker, and founder of the ASU Center for the Study of Race and Democracy, where he taught for 16 years. Whitaker’s expertise lies in U.S. history, African American history, race relations, social movements, cultural competency, equity and inclusion, teaching excellence, and community partnerships.  Whitaker has received numerous awards including the 2016 DLA Diversity and Inclusion Award, ASU’s 2015 Pioneer Award for work on African American life and culture, and 2014 DLA Inclusive Workplace Award. Whitaker has spoken throughout the U.S. and abroad, and has been featured on CNN, NPR, PBS, WVON, and KEMET. His books include Hurricane Katrina: America’s Unnatural Disaster, Race Work: The Rise of Civil Rights in the Urban West, and his forthcoming memoir, The Undisputed Truth: A Revolutionary Journey to Black Manhood.