When:
February 23, 2022 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
2022-02-23T12:00:00-06:00
2022-02-23T13:00:00-06:00
Where:
Barnard Observatory Tupelo Room
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Afton Thomas

At noon on Feb. 23, Castel Sweet presents “‘Does My Message Define My Role?’ Hip-Hop Artists’ Interpretation of Having a Role in Their Community.” Using data from interviews with hip-hop artists, Castel Sweet will discuss how artists’ emphasis on their music’s message influences their interpretation of having a role, or identifiable place, in their local community. Considering the significance of space and place within hip-hop music, Sweet examines how respondents’ identities as artists are shaped by their local communities and how artists’ identities influence their production of hip-hop music. Sweet explores if and how hip-hop artists maintain connections to their local communities and construct localized identities within a global market that encourages the deterritorialization of music.

Sweet is the director of the University of Mississippi’s Center for Community Engagement in the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement, and assistant professor of practice in community engagement. In addition to her work as a community engagement professional, Sweet’s qualitative research explores the ways in which hip-hop artists use their art to pursue social change and community engagement.

SouthTalks is a series of events (including lectures, performances, film screenings, and panel discussions) that explores the interdisciplinary nature of Southern Studies. This series is free and open to the public, and typically takes place in the Tupelo Room of Barnard Observatory. However, as a result of the ongoing health crisis, some events will be virtual, free, and accessible on the Center’s YouTube channel after each live event. Visit the Center’s website at southernstudies.olemiss.edu for more details. Locations listed here are subject to change, and more events may be added throughout the semester. Registration will be required for all virtual events in order to receive the webinar link.