Kick off the semester right and join Multicultural Student Services for Spring Fun Night on Friday, Feb. 4. The evening event will feature a concert by local hip hop artist, poet and community activist Toki Wright at 7 p.m. in the O'Shaughnessy Educational Center auditorium. A dance in Scooter's with DJ Enferno will follow at 9 p.m.
Immersing himself in racial justice, world culture, and community work, Toki Wright's awareness of the diverse world we live in is translated through his content-driven music. He has done everything from being a community organizer with a nonprofit youth organization in North Minneapolis to working with war-affected children in Northern Uganda. Being an active presence in the Twin Cities hip-hop scene, Wright has been featured on recordings by Atmosphere, P.O.S., and C-Rayz Walz, to name a few.
Wright recently wrote: "Never before has this generation been at more of a critical point than now … the present day. War and pace. Poverty and gluttony. Enslavement and feedom. Each measure of the spectrum entangled in the ultimate fight for power. Obtaining justice and equality are no easy tasks; our forefathers and mothers have proven this to be true. May this surge of energy be the catalyst for global understanding. In our struggle let us not forget the trials and tribulations of the great many who have walked along the hazardous path. Recognize history. Prepare yourself for the future."
Wright is a thoughtful and important voice, prepared to educate and challenge, as well as entertain. He will perform songs from his debut album and lecture on the importance of social justice work and community activism.