Chuck D
Northwest Missouri State University’s Student Activities Council will host legendary rapper, political activist, author, publisher, radio show host and producer Chuck D for its next SAC Speaks lecture.
Chuck D will speak at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 24, in the J.W. Jones Student Union Ballroom. The lecture is free and open to the public.
“We chose Chuck D because of the diversity he offers,” said Emily Doss, SAC’s director of lecture programming. “He’s a hip hop legend who is knowledgeable on a variety of topics. He will address major issues like technology, politics, rap and soul music, and race in America. His lecture will benefit the audience as he gives emphasis to the intersection of popular culture and politics.”
Chuck D co-founded the renowned rap group Public Enemy. In 1987, the group redefined rap music and hip hop culture by releasing its first album, “Yo Bum Rush the Show.” The album broke boundaries by describing the realities facing black people in the late 20th century. Today, the group continues to stress the importance of history and self-determination.
In 2004, Rolling Stone magazine named Public Enemy “one of the 50 most important performers in rock ‘n’ roll history.” In 2007, Ebony magazine included Chuck D as one of its 100 most influential black Americans. Last year, Public Enemy was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Chuck D has been featured or included in more than 50 documentaries about music, technology, politics and race. He has appeared in several public service announcements advocating for national peace and the Partnership for a Drug Free America. He has also been a spokesperson for Rock the Vote, National Urban League, Americans for the Arts Council and the National Alliance for African-American Athletes.
In the past five years, Chuck D has hosted Air America’s On the Real/Off the Record, interviewing important musical and political figures. He continues to make music and write about technology, politics, rap and soul music, and race in the U.S.