This event was organized by the Black Student Union with support from the Department of Africana Studies and the College of Ethnic Studies at SFSU.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Chuck D & Dr. Gaye Johnson @ SFSU!
Hiphop pioneer Chuck D and UCSB Black Studies professor Dr. Gaye Johnson conversed with students on the topics of art, technology, education and activism on Thursday, February 4 at 11am in Jack Adams Hall of the Cesar Chavez Student Center at San Francisco State University. Being that SFSU is the birthplace of Black Studies in US universities and that SFSU still hosts the only College of Ethnic Studies, the event was slotted as a 'sort of homecoming' for those who position Hiphop as part of the larger Black Studies and Ethnic Studies movements.
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35 comments:
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Kind of a blurry picture-Matt Cassani
http://s867.photobucket.com/albums/ab238/twotenmatt/?action=view¤t=0204101134.jpg
This picture is kind of blurry, sorry about that. Also, sorry if you get a bunch of comments from me of this same thing-Matt Cassani
To continue on with my last comment....
The things that stuck with me the most was when Dr. Johnson said how we don't feel compassion or feel whats going on with Haiti and other tragedies happening through out the world, even things happening in our own city. Like we may feel bad about it, and donate some money, but thats all. Which also ties into what she was saying about how youth now a days doesnt feel that we can do anything collectively, but it really does make a difference. What Chuck D said about doing the best for you and your society and taking advantage of being at college also stuck with me.
-Matt Cassani
Hey Doc.,
Is the audio from this event anywhere online? I have some friends I'm trying to have listen to it.
Thanks so much for bringing them,
G. Scott
http://i1019.photobucket.com/albums/af315/djVaida/chuckd.jpg
"Spirit Of resistance, Hip Hop is a continuation of new African culture"
"A driving force that drives people
a culture that is word based"
The overall message that I received from the discussion was to be prepared when engaging in a conversation when defending your beleifs and ideologies. Knowing your views is crucial, but knowing your opponents beleifs are important as well. Also Chuck D's remark on attending four years of college and how we as students can gain twelve years of knowledge.
-Bryan Ramirez
http://i1019.photobucket.com/albums/af315/djVaida/chuckd.jpg
http://i1019.photobucket.com/albums/af315/djVaida/chuckd.jpg
"Spirit Of resistance, Hip Hop is a continuation of new African culture"
"A driving force that drives people
a culture that is word based"
The overall message that I received from the discussion was to be prepared when engaging in a conversation when defending your beleifs and ideologies. Knowing your views is crucial, but knowing your opponents beleifs are important as well. Also Chuck D's remark on attending four years of college and how we as students can gain twelve years of knowledge.
http://i1019.photobucket.com/albums/af315/djVaida/chuckd.jpg (Bryan Ramirez
http://i757.photobucket.com/albums/xx213/livefree510/IMG00020-20100204-1134.jpg
Chuck D. and his wife Dr. Johnson's visit on Thursday was truly inspirational to me. I felt they were discussing topics i could actual relate to, and learn from in order to better my life experiences, today. My whole life i feel like those who are made to 'help' me to the right paths, such as teachers, parents, adults, etc. try to structure me in a way where i grow up to be the way they teach me to become, but i have never felt like anyone encouraged me to be different, and to be myself. "What do you do, to do you?" asked Chuck D. and this is a very good question. I have lived my life the best way to make sure i am doing what it is i do everyday for myself not because my parents want me to, or because i am forced to, but because i know in myself that it is something i WANT to do. Everyday is truly a privilege in this world, and Chuck D. along with his wife, definitely brought that to my attention. "How much will you process to help you in the real world?"
-Olivia Ramos
Chuck D and Dr. Gaye Johnson discussed issues on education, equality, youth, and the importance of your own and your opponent's knowledge. "You must figure out how to make the connections yourself. There is a force at work here that is designed...that is trying to figure out how to exclude you so well..." These words stood out to me the most because it makes you realize, you really have to think and know about your surroundings, or someone else can talk you out of what you believe.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGipINtuYDM
-Ashley Koide
http://i50.tinypic.com/nl8jk0.jpg (I was having difficulties extracting the pictures I took on my cell phone onto my computer so my T.A. Yumi was kind enough to allow me to use one of her pics.)
After hearing Chuck D and Dr. Gaye Johnson speak, I was sincerely moved and impressed by the overwhelming amount of knowledge, wisdom, and understanding they expressed regarding a wide range of issues that directly affect me and the rest of America's youth. Having access to technology all throughout my upbringing, I wholly agree with Chuck D's argument that the college students today are years "ahead" of students who went to college just 10 years ago. This disconnect is only going to worsen as pop culture and mass media continue to separate people's social and political priorities. Walking away from the discussion, I obtained a new sense of motivation and purpose to not only get the most out of my college education, but also apply what I learned to my everyday life.
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=102849069
Here are comments from the Black Online class as well:
http://www.myspace.com/blackonline4sfsu
Seeing Chuck D and his wife Dr. Johnson last Thursday was truly inspirational. They made me realize I need to stop watching and accepting the problems going on around me such as the budget cuts. I need to get off my butt and make a change. I need to be able to know all of my stuff and as Chuck D said last Thursday "be armed for the battle of wits." Here is a picture of Chuck D and Dr Johnson last Thursday:
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-Holly Hoffman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LAYlmoGajw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBGD1yupqaI
A few videos of Chuck D and his visit to SFSU. I loved the part where he talked about the 'disconnect,' that was some real talk right there. Chuck made me realize a few things I never truly thought about before. The entire speech by him and Dr. Johnson was phenomenal, they are both extremely smart people and you can really tell that they truly want to make a difference, and at the same time they motivated me to go out and change my ways, to get 12 years of education out of only going for 4.
-Daniel Fischer
-Daniel Fischer
Also Davey D. posted an audio file at http://www.swift.fm/mrdaveyd/song/20132/
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Chuck D from public enemy came to our school and gave a very motivating talk. I wasn't sure what to expect in terms of what he was going to talk about, but upon hearing him talk about how we should be open to all opinions in order to develop more maturely, the youth is the one with the power, and how we should not being wasting our life and get all we can out of every day; I'm sure glad I went.
-Brian Rose
[part 1]
One of the greatest known speakers in the history of Hiphop made his presence known at San Francisco State University on February 4th, 2010.
When I heard of his impending appearance I was immediately amped. As soon as I could I got on the horn to anyone who would listen, "Chuck D. is coming to MY school!” Before I even knew any exact details I was advertising this event as if I was holding it myself.
Although I had an important class during the same time as his arrival, it didn't matter. The fact of the matter is if you gave Chuck D. a mike and put him in the parking lot of a Lowe's at 3am I would’ve found a way to be there. As I get to the event, Chuck D. was already in progress. I sat in awe as this was the first time I had ever seen him live in any capacity; and he did not disappoint.
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"12 out of 4"
In the midst of schooling us about his thoughts on our education, I remember him telling us to have a hustler's mentality (following "a hustler's credo") when it comes to our education; absorbing anything that we think may go beyond us, or that we may describe as "nerdy" or "booky". The important thing was that we get our money's worth, avoiding "rusty bike gpa's" (as opposed to a Lamborghini).
It is pivotal to look at certain things and even more critical to ask how they apply to us. He went into depth about the richness of our education and to always have our minds open. How we should have our minds open to the facts, to information, and true talk to help us gauge the blizzard of information out there. He explained the significance in doing so, so that if we are wise to the information presented than it will help us to pass the information onto someone else. When we talk to a group of people we will be better equipped to motivate them to do real things, so that they in turn can pass along the wisdom they obtained.
The main quote that related to this argument was when he told us to ask ourselves, "can you get 12 years of information that will last a lifetime out of the four years that you're here".
Truthfully I had never thought of it that way, or heard it put into that perspective. With that one quote alone I think he had helped to motivate a lot of students who in attendance that maybe deep down were close to giving up; those of us who had along the way deviated on our path of education, who were maybe at a point asking ourselves "why are we doing this?" I know I was close to that point.
[part 2]
"A nation that tries to account for every small thing except for its history"
Chuck D. segued, as only someone like Chuck D. could, into the importance of education and applying the knowledge we obtain into society. Its good for young people to take initiative to tap on the shoulder of someone older and "soak 'em". From a homeless person to someone with some neighborhood prestige, it is crucial for us to pick a target and just absorb all that we can from a generation that has already been there.
We need to poor something good into society, and not just be here to "check off the results". We need not to always look for the results, but just try and contribute once and while. The results will be there, but we should worry about our direct effect and not allow ourselves to be overwhelmed with the immediate response.
Whenever it appeared like he was digressing it always seemed to relate back to his initial point. He began discussing the primitive nature of elections, and how the person with the most votes is (sometimes) the winner; and maybe we should take another look at that. Does more necessarily mean better? Does bigger mean better? Does the gross mean better than the net (and do we even know the difference)?
The point is that quantity has corrupted us over quality; all going back to our reasons for being here. We need to get a quality of education in while in school, not just simply based on what is coming at us. We have to look at what we're grabbing, taking in, and processing. Chuck D. made sure to remind us that its not just what we learn here but what we do with the knowledge. That the true quality of education comes not only in what is taught, but also will be determined on how we are going to make it work for us.
On a side note; not only was I privaledged enough to attend this event and see this legend in person, but was also honored with having a brief conversation with the man. He is as down to earth as expected. Funny too.
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On March 4th, 2010 a worldwide strike took place and I attended the one at San Francisco State. It was so interesting to see how many students were there to come together to fight for something that we all believe in. I also had the opportunity to ride a cable car to civic center and the students chanted the whole way there. I didn't realize how serious this was until I seen little kids marching on the side of the car that we were in with signs and they were yelling at the top of their lungs. I realized the budget cuts are a serious matter even for them.
I just posted a comment about the strike but I didn't put my name.. This is Myiesha Rhines.
Hip-hop Lacks of Connection
Feb 4th, 1020 Hip-hop pioneer Chuck D and his wife Dr. Geye Jhonson was invited to San Francisco State University to talk about issues that Hiphop is facing now.
Before hearing this speech, Hip-hop to me is nothing more than the dance and the music. However, the speech compeletly changed my mind. I found out there is much more behind the word "Hiphop": It is a continuum of new African culture; It is a spirit that tells people never to give up; More improtantly, it is a way of recognizing who you are.
Chuck D revealed that Hip-hop generation lacks of connection with the world either in education or in local communities.
As the world and the technology are becoming more and more developed, it is more convenient for us to find out about anything happening around the world. However, the contradiction is that people tend to be lazy and not willing to find out about what is going on.
Hiphop is something that our generation shoud value and learn from. We do not want this fire to die. Thus we really need to pay attention to what is happening and try to connect what we have with with reality and make ourselves valuable to the society like the Hiphop pioneers are.
Geng,Lei
A few weeks ago, Chuck D of Public Enemy came out to San Francisco State University to give a lecture. He spoke to students about today's hip hop industry and the importance of taking control in one's education.
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Today I was woken up and inspired by the words Chuck D and his wife Dr. Johnson shared with us. They were able to stimulate new thoughts in my mind. One of the greater thoughts being that knowledge of my opponent’s stance as well as knowledge for what I believe in is my greatest power in life. One always needs to know what they are talking about and be prepared for a potential battle of wits. The only reason I am here in San Francisco is to better my education. They encouraged us to try and get eight years of knowledge out of the four we are actually here in college for. They also brought to mind how we, as college students, are expendable commodities to this country and are easily disposed of. One of the most residing ideas was that this life is not just about having all the knowledge and ideas; it’s about what you do with that knowledge and how you use it to better the society and all the people around you. I can honestly say that this event sparked something big inside me and motivated me to know intelligently what the hell I am talking about before I start ranting about important issues such as the budget cuts.
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Chuck D signs autographs after discussing the importance of acquiring knowledge that is at hands reach. Also he encourages student to take this 4 year college education and get 12 years of knowledge out of it. Coming from a ideal i think his great ideology inspires student to realize the effect of his preaching are very valuable.
I wasn't expecting for my outlook on school to be changed after attending the Chuck D panel. Chuck D and Dr. Johnson motivated me to become a "nerd" in my field of study. I felt everything that was said in the panel, they were speaking the complete and honest truth.
-Timpa.
March 4th, 2010, I stood on the picket lines and fought for my right to an education. I felt like i was fighting for something greater than myself. I enjoy protesting on my SFSU campus, in front of Oakland city hall, and in front of San Francisco city hall. It was a very moving experience.
-Timpa.
It's time to stand up and fight for what's OURS. As a community in UNITY.
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_sm55GYZZfWs/S6wnq8pK8zI/AAAAAAAAA_4/xYS7jgYaxf8/s1600/DSC_7122.JPG
http://joyskiisf.blogspot.com/2010/03/march-4th-day-of-action.html
- Joy Ng
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The things that I evaluated from Chuck D and Dr. Gaye Johnson is how they focused on qualitiesthat we as people need to be more sincere about. Such as the situation with Haiti and other problems that not only effect us as people but our own. The inspiration that i felt they were giving to a lot of people was huge. To hear someone who was in the rap game, who is a legend. To be conscious, bring his wife and talk about things we can relate to as a whole is big. They encourage us to become and feel different about the things we claim we do to be our selves. Also how these things will help us in the real world and not just in our ideas. Such as college, he described to us on how attending college, we are able to learn so much history and information that few are able to conceive. So that alone made me not only look at my life as collective advantage in the world, but a movement is what i bring to the table, not a cliche'.
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The Chuck D and Dr. Gaye Johnson event held in the Jack Adams Hall at SFSU on February 4, 2010 at 11 a.m. was a truly touching experience. When I got out of the room where they both spoke I felt motivated to start putting forth more effort in academia. One quote that really stuck with me was when Chuck D said we all needed to get eight to twelve years experience out of out four years of attendance at SFSU. Another thing that I found interesting that Chuck D said was the fact that today, people don't really find the need to know about history and important facts because all anyone has to do now is look it up on their iPhones or the internet. Talking about what Chuck D thought we should do about all the money being taken away from the students and teachers in this crisis we are facing he said, "Collective action is the only way." I'm very thankful for this experience and to hear the thoughts of both Dr. Gaye Johnson and Chuck D, thanks for this opportunity.
http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac133/hungryfuck2/IMG_0648.jpg
The day that Chuck D and Dr. Gaye Johnson drove down here to speak to SFSU I was floored by their commentary on our condition as a school, state, and country.
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a256/smurfed/IMAG0115.jpg
I learned from the Globalization course that Chuck D would be coming to speak. That's all I needed to have my eyes widen and have the sudden urge to watch "Do the Right Thing" again. In all honesty, that's the only way I found out about Public Enemy back in the day.
Now though I get their influence and impact on our culture within the ideals of fighting for a truth, whether it is bad or good, and make it your good if it's not what you want.
But back to the day of.
So what I enjoyed listening to most-besides Chuck D's insightful if not very funny and badass assessment of our education and the powers that are destroying it-was his wife Dr. Gaye Johnson, who had a very powerful and passionate commentary on our lives and our education, the world and what we need to to do make it ours-the students, our younger siblings, our kids and so forth.
Her words are blurry to me in their exact state, but in my mind I remember fondly how she made me feel when I heard about her students not being able to afford school anymore, and how she was teary eyed and disgusted by how the education system was leaving out the minorities for the wealthy, even foreigners.
I always learn new things about how messed up our education system is, on how our world view is skewed, on how America is built on the idea of "YOU" and not on the cooperation of the many. I found that the exchange of that day, whether or not we all cared at first, affected us in the long run.
At least for me the message of the day was of listening to what those opposed to us are saying, what they're studying and what the want us to do. If we know what the opposition("enemy" is a strong word, but taking away our freedoms is somewhat enemy-like) knows than we will have an upper hand. At least at preserving our society and our rights as students.
In the end I really sought to inform myself about these powerful and enigmatic speakers on that stage in Jack Adams Hall, and ultimately I kept thinking back to that day and what was said and how I felt. Worth the time,every second, beyond a doubt. http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a256/smurfed/IMAG0117.jpg
-Arturo Hilario
http://domingoandpandas.wordpress.com/2010/03/06/march-4th-call-for-education/
- Kenta Naoi this is off of my blog that i showed you prior.
After visiting the discussion of Chuck D and his wife Dr. Johnson I have learned that we fail to realize how to preserve our education.
We need to stop having our backs against the walls. We have let technology make us so lazy that we can no longer go the extra mile to discover the truth about ourselves.
-Ilo Etta
Bravo, seems to me, is a magnificent phrase
I always motivated by you, your views and attitude, again, thanks for this nice post.
- Murk
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