Artist, hip-hop performer and advocate Genesis Be to speak on campus Sept. 13
Artist, hip-hop performer and global ambassador for Moral Courage® Genesis Be, a prominent voice for social change through the past decade, will discuss her unique and wide-ranging efforts to encourage conversations across differences during a special September appearance at Hanover College.
Widely known for her efforts to remove the Confederate emblem from the Mississippi state flag, Be’s advocacy focuses on bridge-building and the healing of divided communities. She works to unite people and challenge polarization through utilizing public appearances, musical performances, art exhibitions and multimedia presentations as key elements of her engagement.
Be will speak on Hanover’s campus at 7 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 13, at Fitzgibbon Recital Hall, Lynn Center for Fine Arts. The event, open to the public, free of charge, is sponsored by Hanover’s Social Justice Leadership Program.
The presentation will include a screening of “Mississippi Turning,” a 30-minute documentary about Be’s experiences while working to remove the Confederate symbol from Mississippi’s flag. The film, which highlights conversations between people on different sides of the issue, will be followed by a discussion about how to have civil conversations with people of varying perspectives.
Be, who was raised in Biloxi, Miss., is the granddaughter of Rev. Clyde Briggs, a World War II veteran, teacher, minister and civil rights advocate. Circumstances surrounding Briggs’ 1965 death have long served as inspiration for her efforts to promote social change.
She is the founder of People Not Things, which prioritizes the human spirit instead of divisive labels and dehumanization, and Strive Till I Rise, an organization that supports young leaders and changemakers. As a global ambassador for Moral Courage®, she helps equip people productively discuss polarizing issues.
Be has been featured by the Associated Press, New York Times, Washington Post, Billboard and Vice magazine. She has also appeared on “The Matter of Fact Listening Tour hosted by Soledad O’Brien” and Public Broadcasting Service’s “Laura Flanders and Friends,” among others.
