Radio, TV and social media personality Charlamagne tha God and Pittsburgh social activist Leon Ford held a wide-ranging discussion that touched on social activism, black pride and even their favorite books April 27 at Cal U’s 13th annual Hip-hop Conference.
Media personality Charlamagne tha God (left) and social activist Leon Ford.
For a few minutes, it sounded almost like a book club.
Radio, TV and social media personality Charlamagne tha God and Pittsburgh social activist Leon Ford held a wide-ranging discussion that touched on social activism, black pride and even their favorite books April 27 at Cal U’s 13th annual Hip-hop Conference.
Charlamagne is a co-host of the nationally syndicated iHeartRadio program The Breakfast Club and author of the New York Times bestseller Black Privilege, Opportunity Comes to Those Who Create It (Touchstone, 2017).
Although he regularly interviews some of the music industry’s top performers, he doesn’t think of himself as a celebrity, Charlamagne said. Instead, he views his role as “somebody with a platform” who also can shine a light on social issues.
“Everybody complains about ‘the media,’ but I’m part of the media. So I try to put the right energy out there to the masses. … I try to talk more about solutions, not just the problems.”
Ford, of Pittsburgh’s East Side, became a social activist after he was shot and paralyzed by city police during a traffic stop in 2012. He was acquitted of all criminal charges in connection with the incident, and eventually settled a civil-rights lawsuit against the city.
Ford now travels the country to share his story and speak out on topics including police-community relations, affordable housing and accessibility.
Before the shooting, “I never thought about being an activist. I had no knowledge of civics or politics,” Ford said.
But he became frustrated with the legal system and “decided to become my own hero,” organizing protests and rallies to raise awareness about excessive use of force, especially against black men, by police in Pittsburgh and across the country.
“We need to have a real change, beyond just words on social media,” said Ford, who hinted at a possible run for political office someday.
“You can inspire people and have a social justice impact from wherever you are.”
Prompted by questions from an audience of more than 100 students and Cal U alumna Anika Tillery '06, a social work graduate who moderated the discussion, Charlamagne and Ford talked about the lessons they teach their own young children about interactions with police, the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements against sexual misconduct, and growing up black in America.
Both men revealed a spiritual side, and both spoke about using their wealth for a positive purpose. Responding to a query from conference organizer Dr. Kelton Edmonds, of the Department of History, Politics, Society and Law, they listed books that have influenced their thinking.
Charlamagne cited The Autobiography of Malcolm X and The 5th Agreement, by Don Miguel Ruiz, among other titles; Ford’s list included Paulo Cielho’s The Alchemist and The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham.
Students pulled out their phones and made note of the titles as the speakers encouraged them to set goals, “follow the process” and persevere — advice that echoed the message delivered by five young men, all active in the music industry, who had opened the conference with a panel discussion, “Choosing Between College and Pursuing My Artistry.”
“Take your time, trust God and be committed,” Ford advised. “And follow your heart. Even when things don’t go your way, doors are opening.”
“Believe in yourself,” Charlamagne added. “You’re you for a reason. If you tap into your own unique, individual greatness, good things will happen to you.”
Cal U’s annual Hip-hop conference brings well-known artists and media figures to campus to explore the significance of rap and hip-hop culture from a variety of angles. Past conferences have focused the genre's history and evolution; the criminal justice system; and hip-hop’s connections to sports and race.
Sponsors for the 2018 Hip-hop Conference were Cal U's new African American studies minor; the Black Student Union; Cal U Women United; the Frederick Douglass Institute; the Office of Social Equity; the Department of History, Politics, Society and Law; and the College of Education and Human Services.