USC Law professors explore “Race, Rap & Redemption”

USC Law Professors Jody Armour and Ron Garet will welcome rap icon Ice Cube, Grammy Award-nominated rapper Lupe Fiasco and other performance artists to campus Feb. 27 for “Race, Rap & Redemption.”

Prof. Jody Armour

The powerful and unconventional event, which starts at 7:30 p.m. in Bovard Auditorium, will explore issues of racial and social justice, oppression, unity, theology and redemption through rap and hip-hop music, dance, song and poetry.

“This event will be more than merely a form of expression; it will actually be an act that has consequences and results in something positive,” said Professor Armour, an expert in crime and race issues. “We want to be sure the ‘ivory tower’ meets the ‘street’ in a way that both sides get a unique evening that transforms them in some way.”

Using a criminal trial framework, Armour will present “opening arguments,” followed by evidence and witnesses in the form of performances by renowned slam poet Saul Williams, interpretive dancers from the South Los Angeles-based Lula Washington Dance Theatre, spoken word artist Mayda Del Valle, and others. As a cross-examination, Armour will conduct a question-and-answer session with both Lupe Fiasco and Ice Cube, following their performances.

Professor Garet, who teaches constitutional law and religious ethics, will present evidence during the redemption-focused portion of the evening.

Prof. Ron Garet

“The word ‘redemption’ in ‘Race, Rap & Redemption’ flags the question: What prospects are there for redemption from the circumstance of oppression in which we live?” Garet said. “I look to the line in the Declaration of Independence that says ‘all men are created equal.’ But it doesn’t say that all men are redeemed equal and are equally offered a redemption in our lives.”

Affiliated with Visions and Voices, USC’s Arts and Humanities Initiative, the evening also will feature opening remarks by USC Provost C. L. Max Nikias; an inventive performance by the Macy Gray Music Academy, directed by USC jazz studies chair Ron McCurdy, of “Lift Every Voice and Sing;” and a post-program reception hosted by USC Spectrum.

The event is open to USC students, staff and faculty. Admission is free, but space is limited and advance registration is required. To reserve a space, sign up online at www.usc.edu/visionsandvoices.