Mark your calendars because the Africa Forum is back, and this month, they are dropping an electrifying session that every House lover, Hip Hop aficionado, and music lover in the diaspora needs to attend:
FROM AFRICA TO AMERICA: MUSIC OF OUR LIVES!
Hey GO BANG! Fam! Are you ready to dive deep into the rhythm that defines our culture?
The Beat That Connects Us
Following last year’s powerful theme, “Uplifting the African Diaspora through the Cultural Arts,” this December’s program is zeroing in on the foundational sounds that shook the globe and were born from the African spirit: Hip Hop and House Music!
We all know the beat runs deep. From the drum circles of the Motherland to the block parties and warehouse floors of America, the connection is undeniable. This forum is set to unpack how these vibrant music traditions have evolved, influenced, and inspired generations. Prepare for an evening of revelations, deep cuts, and cultural affirmation!
Meet the Vibe Curators: A Panel Stacked with Legends!
Get ready for an all-star panel that brings scholarly depth and street-level authenticity to the conversation. They’re not just talking about the culture—they are the culture!
Amina Ayo Norman-Hawkins: The triple threat! A renowned Hip Hop artist, educator, and activist ready to share wisdom from the mic and the classroom.
DJ Duane Powell: A true Renaissance man—Historian, Ethnomusicologist, and promotor—who can trace the lineage of the funk back to its source.
⭐ Pierre André Evans: GO BANG! Nation, you know him! Our very own legendary House music historian, journalist, and DJ will be on deck to drop serious knowledge on the Chicago sound and its global impact. You don’t want to miss his insights!
Scott “Sencere Magnetic” Hammond: Bringing the full spectrum as a Hip Hop artist, graphic artist, and dancer. He embodies the movement and the visual artistry of the genre.
See the Sound
The discussion will be supercharged with exclusive excerpts from several films that explore the history and impact of these iconic genres. Expect to see the stories that made the music what it is today!
Attend in Person or Online!
Whether you prefer the energy of a live crowd or the comfort of your own space, this event is designed for you!
In-Person: Join the discussion live at the Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies.
Online: Catch all the action and join the dialogue via Zoom.
Don’t let this chance pass you by. This is more than a panel—it’s a cultural exchange, a history lesson, and a celebration of the music that pulses in our veins!
RSVP NOW and secure your spot to celebrate the MUSIC OF OUR LIVES!
You can secure your spot for FROM AFRICA TO AMERICA: MUSIC OF OUR LIVES right now on Eventbrite.
Event: Africa Forum: December 2025
Date & Time: Friday, December 12, 2025, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM CST
Location: NEIU Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies (CCICS)
Cost: Free!
Registration Link:
Click here to get your FREE ticket on Eventbrite!
Don’t miss the chance to hear from Pierre André Evans and the rest of the incredible panel!
