© Musikal Visions Photography (posted with permission)
© Musikal Visions Photography (posted with permission)
This past spring, the University of Minnesota's own Voices Merging hosted the third bi-annual Vices to Verses hip hop conference. I assisted in facilitating and volunteering with different parts of the event, but I was also able to enjoy the conference as a participant. The conference was free and open to the public with several different events, including a hip hop concert featuring local and nationally known hip hop and spoken word artists (Ill Chemistry, Truth Maze, Maria Isa, Dead Prez, Toki Wright), and dancing by local hip hop dance crews and b-boys/girls.
The concert also featured several local graffiti artists, photographers, and painters through an auction and exhibition. The conference was composed of various seminars and talks where the public was able to come and learn about hip hop culture. Topics included hip hop as social change, hip hop and feminism, hip hop and multiculturalism, dance, and spoken word (just to name a few).
© Ka Zua Melissa Vang (posted with permission)
It was amazing to look around and see that this three-day conference with a total of over 40 separate educational and inspirational events was organized and put together by my friends and fellow University of Minnesota students. It is amazing what college students can do with a bit of hard work, with a university that supports them and encourages them to dream big, and with the beautiful and rich cultural location of the Twin Cities. I can't wait until two years from now when I can attend again. It was a life-changing and motivational experience. I love my university and I love my city!
© Ka Zua Melissa Vang (posted with permission)
© Ka Zua Melissa Vang (posted with permission)
