The David C. Hardesty, Jr. Festival of Ideas will kick off the 2014-15 season when hip-hop legend Chuck D takes the Creative Arts Center stage on Sept. 29 at 7:30 p.m. His talk is co-sponsored by West Virginia University’s Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion as part of Diversity Week 2014.
Chuck D is the leader and co-founder of the legendary rap group Public Enemy, author of two critically acclaimed books, political activist, publisher, radio host and producer. He redefined rap music and hip-hop culture with the release of Public Enemy’s debut albums, Yo! Bum Rush The Show, It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back and Fear of a Black Planet, which delivered a powerful articulation of the realities facing African Americans in the late 20th century.
Public Enemy uses their lyrical eloquence to stress the importance of history and self-determination in the forward movement of all who have been oppressed. Between 1987 and 2009, with Chuck D at the helm, Public Enemy has released 13 albums and toured 63 countries, using their art to speak in real terms about the issues facing the black community and how social justice campaigns and political activism are the keys to successfully addressing these issues.
In 2013, Chuck D and Public Enemy were elected into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, making them the fourth hip-hop group to be inducted. Chuck D was named one of the “100 Most Influential Black Americans” by Ebony Magazine in 2007, and in 2004 Rolling Stone magazine named Chuck D and Public Enemy one of the “Fifty Most Important Performers in Rock & Roll History.”
Fall 2014 Speakers
John G. Morris
October 8
The Erickson Alumni Center
John G. Morris defined the visual memory of the 20th century through a 40-year career as photo editor at Life, Ladies’ Home Journal, The Washington Post, The New York Times and National Geographic. At 97 years old, he hasn’t slowed down, spending his time as a freelance writer and editor working for peace.
Stuart Yudofsky
Nov. 11
Mountainlair
2014 Tanner Lecture
As part of West Virginia University’s celebration of Veterans Day, Dr. Stuart Yudofsky, a pioneer and leader in the field of neuropsychiatry, will speak about his cutting-edge research into the diagnosis and treatment of mood and behavioral disorders caused by traumatic brain injury.
Chuck D has been featured and interviewed in more than 50 documentaries on music, technology, politics and race and has appeared in numerous public service announcements for national peace and the Partnership for a Drug Free America. He has also been a national spokesperson for Rock the Vote, the National Urban League, Americans for the Arts Council and the National Alliance for African-American Athletes.
For the past five years, he has hosted On the Real/Off the Record for Air America, on which some of the most important musical and political figures of our time have been interviewed. Chuck D continues to make music and to write prolifically on technology, politics, rap, soul music, and race in the United States.
The Festival of Ideas was created in 1995 by WVU President Emeritus David C. Hardesty Jr. and was inspired by events he organized as student body president in the 1960s. Today, the lecture series spans the academic year and serves to engage a diverse group of newsmakers, public figures, thought leaders and University superstars with the campus community. It’s organized by the Office of University Events.
Arrangements for the appearance of Chuck D were made through Keppler Speakers.
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