As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial

Participants at this Syracuse Symposium event hosted by Art and Music Histories will view the 2024 documentary, "As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial," a film that deals with the ways in which rap’s creative lyrics are increasingly being used as evidence in criminal cases against rappers, reinforcing a historical pattern of policing Black culture.

As We Speak examines the boundaries of "free speech" and the weaponization of the justice system against creative expression. Following the screening, the audience will hear from and have a chance to engage with the movie’s featured star, Bronx rap artist Kemba.

This event is part of the Syracuse University Humanities Center’s 2025-2026 Syracuse Symposium on "Creativity."