I am looking for artists and other interesting people to participate in a series of conversations on Governors Island this summer as part of ArtCrawl Harlem’s Boombox exhibition. Is that you?

Boombox: A four part, multi-disciplinary conversation about identity through the lens of Hip Hop culture.

Born in the early 1970s in the predominantly African American, Latin and Caribbean culture of the South Bronx, Hip Hop has become one of the most successful musical genres of all time, expanding internationally into the worlds of dance, fashion and art. Now firmly embedded in the mainstream, Hip Hop is celebrating its 50th year. In honor of its global influence, the Boombox Salon Series will bring together diverse panels of culture producers to examine how the enduring spirit of Hip Hop has influenced generations across the globe and shaped our discussions about identity and authenticity. 

Salon Topics:

Growing Up Hip Hop – How has Hip Hop impacted the people who grew up with it, as well as subsequent generations? How has Hip Hop been a tool of education and social change? 

Celebrating Black Joy – How has Hip Hop functioned as a vehicle for Black joy and excellence? What is the role of appropriation and commodification in the continuing quest for authenticity?

Unpacking Interracial Identity – How have people from outside the original Hip Hop community been influenced by the experiences and values outlined in the music? What is the role of the normalization of interracial relationships and identities in the commercial success of Hip Hop? What is the connection between Hip Hop culture and the erosion of segregation in society?

Black Exceptionalism – How has Hip Hop culture been conflated with Black culture? What notions of Black identity have arisen from inside Hip Hop and as compared to Hip Hop? Are Black people who don’t fit into the rapper stereotype seen as “exceptions?” What values and characteristics has hip hop championed, and have they been set up in opposition to values that are perceived as being “white?”

Boombox Second Sundays:

• May 14, 2023 
• June 11, 2023
• September 10, 2023
• October 8, 2023

Please save these dates and let me know if you would like to join the conversation with a diverse group of creatives. You never know what will arise out of your participation in the conversation…