Romania took hold of my heart in 2015 and since then has consumed my mind and soul. As with any genuine commitment, my relationship with this beautiful, complex country has grown and deepened over time as I have learned of its many tragedies, as well as its many triumphs. I have surrendered myself to Romania. [...] As I continue my Romanian journey, I marvel over the resiliency and fortitude of the people. I am fortunate to have developed close relationships, familial in many ways, with many Romanians. And I am eternally grateful to have been granted a Fulbright and honored to become part of this amazing community.
Exploring the Hip-Hop Culture: Highlights from Dr. David Gracon’s ‘Exit Strategies’ First Event
Dr. David Gracon, U.S. Fulbright Scholar and visiting professor at Transilvania University of Brașov, recently organized the first installment of his dialogue-driven series “Exit Strategies: Critical Dialogues and Alternative Media” on November 22 & 23. The event was dedicated to the 50th anniversary of hip-hop as a particularly American art-form. The program featured a guest talk and performance by Pseudo Slang (MC Sick, NYC/Chicago, USA) and DJ/producer A Cat Called Fritz (Paris, France).
For a glimpse into the event’s highlights, here’s David’s recount:
“The first night, MC Sick and The Cat gave a lively and fun talk at Transilvania University of Brașov about the histories of hip-hop from both an American and French perspective. There was a lot of talk about creativity and the importance of self-expression; the significance of independent hip-hop, histories of how the genre formed via Jamaican American DJ Kool Herc, graffiti culture and the eventual global spread of the form. This was followed by a lively Q/A. I would estimate 70 people showed up, students and community members alike and the reaction was very positive. Students enthusiastically claimed the talk was very fresh and unique for them, and they clearly were hungry for more of this kind of programming.
The next night, Pseudo Slang performed in the city, at Aftăr Hours, with the local act MC Acid (vital mix of local artists on the bill), and at one point the floor was unexpectedly consumed with energetic break-dancers complete with full-on head-spins. While the crowd was small (about 45 people), everyone there seemed to be really into the show. Some expressed they were very surprised this took place in Brașov at all (as opposed to the capital Bucharest) and overall were very grateful for the unique event.
It was a fantastic and unique way to celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop in the U.S. as a vibrant form of living history and education.”
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