This event is being sponsored by the Africana Studies Program.
Bars4Justice is a documentary short film shot on location in Ferguson which addresses Hip-Hop's role in the movement for social justice and racial injustices. The film follows Emcee / Activist Jasiri X who was invited to perform at Mike Brown's benefit concert on August 9th 2015 along with Common, Talib Kweli, Immortal Technique, Cornell West, and Bree Newsome.
Since the 2014 killing of unarmed 17 year old Mike brown in Ferguson, 1100+ people were killed at the hands of police including Rumain Brisbon of Phoenix.
Hip hop is the main influencer of youth in America and all over the world. Through dialogue and education eventually we will be able to reduce the demand for negative music by increasing the public’s access to inspiring cultural narratives.
Q&A Student interaction session with award winning international filmmakers Queen Muhammad Ali (Director, Producer), and Hakeem Khaaliq (Director, Producer).
Short Bio of Presenter/Speakers:
Queen Muhammad Ali - (DIRECTOR / EDITOR/ PRODUCER) is a filmmaker, activist, television and film producer. Before she began directing films Queen worked as an elementary grade teacher for a private school in Southern California. Her interest in education led her to filmmaking. She has produced for Univision Television Network, MTV, and VH1. Her work has also been featured in Ebony Magazine, Huffington Post, Washington Post, NY Times, Arizona Informant and Yahoo! News. A founding member of the nationally distributed magazine, Nation19, Queen published the magazine to educate youth on indigenous empowerment, archeological research, and social change.
Queen's name is not by accident. Her Great Grandfather is Paramount Chief (King) Tuli Le'iato of American Samoa who's letters to President Kennedy are on display at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
Hakeem Khaaliq - (DIRECTOR / EDITOR/ PRODUCER) is a filmmaker, producer, cinematographer, writer and award winning graphic design artist. Hakeem has written, directed, designed, and produced for Michael Jackson, Snoop Dogg, Sean “Puffy” Combs, David Banner, Russell Simmons, Kobe Bryant, MGM, Derrick Rose, Aloe Blacc, NBC, WBLS (New York), and KIISfm (Burbank).
Also a founding member of Nation19 Magazine, Hakeem serves as the magazines creative director.