Still Dreaming: HHSA Honors MLK
Performers approached their art from a social justice oriented lens at the Hip Hop Student Association's "Still Dreaming: A UWHHSA Showcase in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr." at the Ethnic Cultural Theater on Thursday Jan. 18. There was a wide breadth of performances, showcasing everything from spoken word poetry to dancing to a wealth of diverse music.
A native to New Jersey, 19-year-old singer-songwriter Paris Alexa pours her soul into her powerful music onstage at the Ethnic Cultural Theater on Jan. 18. Her music touched on topics related to racism and privilege, among other things. One poignant quote stood out from her song "Privilege": “I’ve heard that ignorance is bliss but I dont know what that is.”
After going back and forth on which song to perform to, UW graduate Sarah Kendall decided she would not be choosing a Kendrick or a Tupac song. Instead, she decided on Beyoncé's Lemonade. The climax of her performance the came with the robust "Freedom." There was an intense energy radiating from Kendall toward the audience
Emcee D.White gracefully moderated between performers, balancing serious reflections related to Martin Luther King, Jr. with smiles and laughs among the audience members.
Seattle-based CDQ beatboxes with Essam.
Essam, a UW Bothell graduate, drove the show home with his politicized rapping. Not only did Essam call out the Western world for its high-and-mighty attitude over the East, but he ended his set with an emotional video to accompany his music driving his point home.
HHSA president Wole Akinlosotu spoke just before intermission, calling attention to the importance of remembering Dr. King's accomplishments and encouraging audience members to remember that King did more than just promote non-violent protest. Akinlosotu prompted the audience to consider how they take part in revolution, and how art plays a role in pushing forward MLK's dream.
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