The Tanning of America Panel

The Southern University Office of Student Life presented a panel discussion titled “Our Take on the “Tanning of America” in Seymour Gymnasium on February 22. The purpose of the panel was to inform students on the importance of African Americans being involved in general matters and supporting one another.
Panelists included former SU SGA President and rapper Lavell “David Banner” Crump, New Orleans native rapper David “Dee-1” Augustine, SU alumni and newly elected SU system board member Rani Whitfield, motivational and visionary speaker Dr. Derek Greenfield, and Psychology professor and system board member Dr. Reginald Rackley.
The panelists began the discussion on the current culture of Hip Hop. Whitfield believes life needs to be brought back into the music genre.
“The truth is, the real Hip-Hop-ist does not appreciate or understand what is happening in hip hop,” said Whitfield. “Everyone wants to look like Lil’ Wayne and sound like Lil’ Boosie.” finished Whitfield.
Greenfield feels there needs to be a distinction between Hip Hop and Hip Pop.
“Hip Hop is a creative life force that talks about communities, graduation, expression against depression,” said Greenfield. “Hip Pop is what popular base on capitalist entities and what’s real but not your own.” Greenfield finished.
The second discussion was of female rappers being portrayed more like sexy vixens than role models, and their influence. Rackley said female rappers used to express themselves intellectually like males until recently when the industry became commercialized for image and sexuality.
“That’s not sending a positive message to the young generations,” said Greenfield.
The third discussion was Hip Hop amongst the black community. Banner believes blacks as a community need to evaluate ourselves to see if there’s a problem in Hip Hop.
“New School versus Old School, light skin versus dark skin; it’s all a mindset.” stated Banner, who also had much to say about African Americans in the music industry.
“If we do not do something now, Eminem is going to be the new face of Hip Hop, and Adele and Justin Timberlake are going to be the faces of R&B,” said Banner. “We need to have black people doing black music the same way HBCUs need to get back to their mission statements.” Banner added.
Other discussion topics consisted of Hip Hop influence in media, the impact of Hip Hop on today’s culture, different Congressional parties, and Hip Hop in politics.
Banner and Augustine were presented with an award from the Louisiana State Representative Edward James, signed by Louisiana’s speaker of the House of Representatives. Augustine was recognized for his positive message in his music, and commitment to mentoring youth. Banner was awarded in recognition of his humanitarian work, and his commitment to enhancing African American culture, especially in the state of Louisiana.