Recap: Black Literary Suite—Wikipedia Edition

[By Kenton Rambsy]

The Project on the History of Black Writing teamed up with the Institute for Digital Research in the Humanities at the University of Kansas to host its latest Black Literary Suite (BLS) from March 15- April 27. The most recent suite focused on Wikipedia and African American Literature.

In the “100 Novels Project,” 49 of the novels have Wikipediapages. “The Black Literary Suite: Wikipedia Edition” examined the particular ways in which the online website presents the novels. Keeping with our presentation format, the exhibit was a walk-through exhibit where spectators were able to use MP3 players to guide themselves, independently, through 14 panels.

Women and Performance in Hip Hop: An Interview with Dr. Nicole Hodges Persley Part II

[By Alysha Griffin]

 

Today, I conclude my Women in Hip-Hop series by providing part II of my interview with Nicole Hodges Persley. I continue to ask her about the performative aspects of hip-hop and how does the interplay of lyrics, videos, and performances come together to create overarching impressions of women’s place in the evolving culture.

“Raising the Roof: Black Women’s Voices in Hip Hop” series has aimed to provide alternative visions of black women and hip-hop.

Women and Performance in Hip Hop: An Interview with Dr. Nicole Hodges Persley Part I

[By Alysha Griffin]

 In the second interview I conducted for “Raising the Roof: Black Women’s Voices in Hip Hop,” I interviewed Nicole Hodges Persley. Persley  is an Assistant Professor of Theatre at the University of Kansas.  She teaches courses on hip-hop, acting, African American theater, race and performance and improvisation theory. Her research and performance works address the impact of racial, ethnic and national identity on performance practices in theatre, television and film. She has published articles on Jay-Z and Suzan-Lori Parks with forthcoming work on Nikki S. Lee and Jean Genet.

Her research on performance culture provides new insight for how we think about women’s roles in hip-hop culture.

Women, Hip Hop, and Music: An Interview with Dr. Tammy Kernodle Part II

[By Alysha Griffin]

On yesterday, I provided Part I of my interview with Musicologist, Tammy Kernodle. Today, I provide part II of the interview where I conclude asking Kernodle specific questions about the performative aspects of hip-hop culture as it relates to black women.

“Raising the Roof: Black Women’s Voices in Hip Hop” series seeks to interpret the opportunities and challenges black women encounter participating in hip-hop culture.