One of the biggest stories of 2019…
I am disappointed that Kanye West was welcomed to perform during Howard University’s Homecoming. Years ago, I would have been thrilled for his performance during my alma mater’s most-visited gathering of the year. However, in light of his recent political rants, including his demonstrations of willful ignorance about race and genuine attempts to manipulate critical aspects of Black history, I am dismayed at how he ended up with access to Howard’s historic homecoming platform at all.
As a teenager, I followed Kanye, devotedly. Like many students of hip-hop, I came of age through the “highs” his career. I had a no-skip addiction to listening to Late Registration. I was ever-impressed by the versatility of his production. I arrived at consummate fan status once I experienced him live during the controversial “Yeezus” tour. To this day, I recognize both his one-of-a-kind talent and his dangerous desire for attention.
That Kanye West has expressed strong political views is not surprising to me. I’ve admired his public protests against the mistreatment of marginalized people. During his more recent, “free-thought” era; however, Kanye has not missed an opportunity to mock Black consciousness. His comments while visiting Howard, including a command for Blacks “not to all stand under the slave net at once,” strikes me as grossly misinformed and disingenuous. According to the U.S. Constitution, we are at liberty to share our sentiments on any matter so long as they are not “obscene” or threatening by nature. While it is commendable for entertainers to use their platform to spread political awareness, it is naïve to expect most of them to use their celebrity responsibly.
I am mainly disappointed in Howard University. They enabled yet another one of West’s reckless, viral moments. Howard Homecoming is traditionally a time for students and alum to fellowship and unwind at “The Mecca,” for Black politics, thought, and culture. Many students and alum of the university experienced a stark, political awakening at Howard. West did not visit for a similar experience. He used Howard for publicity and to spark further controversy around his troubled beliefs. Since West’s performance, I’m not sure how serious the university is about maintaining its integrity. I’m proud to wear the legacy of Howard University everywhere I go. I urge the university to revisit its commitment to do the same by refusing to compromise its legacy for “Kanye West’s political party.”
This article was originally published on 18 October 2019.
Similar Read: In Review: HBCU Homecomings Recharge Millions of African-Americans
9 claps
Loading…
Great content Jordan! I 100% agree.
Thank you!
Excellent read Great job Jordan.
Thanks for reading!
As a Howard alum, it really hurt to see him on our campus. And to your point, I’m shocked that our leadership would allow him on our campus considering his recent statements and actions of ignorance. I hope we learn from this. It didn’t ruin my homecoming experience, but I’m not sure I can speak for fellow alum. Howard do better.
You’re exactly right. I attended HC also and had a blast but it doesn’t take away from the fact that Howard needs to be held accountable.
I’m not a Howard alum, but I am an HBCU alum, and I was beyond shocked to see Kanye on Howard’s campus. For me, there’s no amount of money or anything he could say to convince me that was a good idea. I understand finances are tight for most HBCU’s, but that’s not it.
Agreed!
I think that we aren’t a monolith as black folks and a lot of people forget that there are black republicans/conservatives on campus as well. This event wasn’t political and I believe he donated money… and before you say anything about the donation… don’t forget where our endowment comes from.
Black conservatism does not equate to thoughtless political beliefs (those of which I have heard from Kanye).
So as an HU alumn and someone that does not agree with Kanye’s political views at all, I feel like this article is extremely misleading. Kanye was on campus to deliver his Sunday Service. This was a religious event not a political event, however that critical piece of information is not mentioned anywhere in the article. His visit included gospel choirs playing religious and uplifting songs that purged the divide between gospel and rap. Howard did not invite Kanye to make a political statement and every time you see a person at an event it does not mean it is to push a political agenda.
Also his “slave net” comment is his usual over the top way of saying something, which was wrong but only because it was harsh. Conceptually he has a point. Personally I took it as a “crab in the barrel” reference. That we need to change our mindset as a people. Once again I do not agree with everything that comes out of his mouth, I just felt the article was misleading.
If in, in fact, his visit to campus was only to convene worship, he did not utilize his visit for worship alone. Nonetheless, you are certainly entitled to your opinion.
Religious or political event, I think that’s a moot point. The point is his rhetoric and recent comments are detrimental to the culture and everything Howard stands for. Howard should’ve stood tall and denied him access to our campus, or at least denied him the ability to host an event.
[…] Similar Read: Kanye West’s Political Party […]