Columbia University Launches Shawn "JAY-Z" Carter Lecture Series

The series kicked off with a wide-ranging conversation between the legendary artist and journalism professor Jelani Cobb.

February 04, 2020

On February 4, Columbia University’s African American and African Diaspora Studies (AAADS) Department launched the Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter Lecture Series, honoring the New York City-born rapper, songwriter, entrepreneur and philanthropist.

In an exclusive talk with students and faculty that ended with a standing ovation, Carter spoke to Jelani Cobb, Columbia’s Ira A. Lipman Professor of Journalism, staff writer for The New Yorkerhistorian and author of several books, including “To the Break of Dawn: A Freestyle on the Hip Hop Aesthetic.”  The event was held at The Forum, located at Columbia’s Manhattanville campus. The program covered a number of themes in African American life and culture, including Carter’s career in music, his legacy as an artist, activism and philanthropy.

Drawing inspiration from Carter’s multimedia success, the series will spotlight public intellectuals, artists, musicians, dancers, writers and activists, as well as scholars and other noteworthy people who have made a major contribution to our understanding of African American and African Diaspora Studies.

Read the full story at Columbia News.