Highly acclaimed hip hop artist and community activist Jasiri X will deliver the keynote address during Washington State University’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Celebration Thursday, Jan. 28, 6:30 p.m., in the Compton Union Building Senior Ballroom.
Widely known for his politically engaged lyrics and music videos, Jasiri uses hip hop as a vehicle to raise awareness about current events and discuss national issues.
He received two grants from the Heinz Foundation to help create the anti-violence group 1Hood Media Academy. 1Hood works with young African Americans to analyze negative media images and create constructive alternatives.
Jasiri X surged on to the national stage in 2007 with his hit song “Free The Jena 6,” which was played on more than 100 radio stations and was named Hip-hop Political Song of the Year at the Pittsburgh Hip Hop Awards. He went on to win six Pittsburgh Hip-Hop Awards and become the first hip-hop artist to receive the coveted August Wilson Center for African American Culture Fellowship. He has two full length albums, American History X (2009) and Ascension (2013).
In addition to Jasiri’s speech, WSU’s Community Celebration will recognize the annual MLK Distinguished Service Award recipients.
