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.
Critical Dialogues and Alternative Media
U.S. Fulbright Scholar David Gracon has initiated a dialogue driven series titled “Exit Strategies: Critical Dialogues and Alternative Media.” The series will feature a combination of critical media scholars, artists and activists. It will entail talks, conversations, media screenings and performances that examine historical and contemporary issues related to critical media theory and active media practices happening in the world. The series reinforces the importance of independent and alternative media that functions outside the dominant media systems in search of new ideas, inspiration and critical thinking skills necessary for a democratic, humanizing and interesting society.
The first volume of the series is dedicated to the 50th anniversary of hip-hop as a particularly American art-form.
Volume 1: From the Bronx (NYC) to the World: Stories from the Hip-Hop Underground
Featuring a talk by EmCee Sick of Pseudo Slang (NYC/Chicago, USA) and DJ A Cat Called Fritz (Paris, France) followed by a community discussion.
Date/Time: November 22, 2023, 18:00-19:30
Location: Transilvania University of Brașov, N Building, Room N116
Description: In celebration of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, Pseudo Slang, a jazzy hip-hop outfit fronted by Emcee Sick, will give a talk alongside DJ/producer A Cat Called Fritz. Emcee Sick will share stories, reflecting on his experience as an international touring artist, and engage in discussions about the dynamic past and future directions of underground hip-hop culture.
On the following day, Pseudo Slang along with A Cat Called Fritz will deliver a live performance.
Pseudo Slang (NYC/Chicago, USA): Live Performance in Brașov
Date/Time: November 23, 2023. Doors open at 20:00.
Location: Aftăr Hours — 13 Mihail Kogalniceanu, Bl C2, Brașov
Pseudo Slang (NYC/Chicago, USA) along with A Cat Called Fritz (Paris, France)
Opening Local Support Act: MC Acid, DJ Dex (Brașov)
Description: Pseudo Slang is fronted by Emcee Sick, who originally hails from the Bronx, NYC, the historical epicenter of American hip-hop culture. Emcee Sick is bringing his blend of jazzy, socially conscious hip-hop to Romania for the first time, performing live in Brașov and backed by the DJ stylings of A Cat Called Fritz.
The events are open to both university students and faculty, as well as the wider Brașov community.
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Dr. David Gracon is a U.S. Fulbright Scholar and visiting professor of media studies at Transilvania University located in Brașov, Romania with a project focused on critical media literacy education. His research/creative and teaching interests include critical media literacy, the political economy of media, alternative media and documentary film. He was previously a Fulbright Scholar in Ukraine (2017-2018) and has served as a faculty member at Eastern Illinois University and Gonzaga University. He is currently developing an educational startup: Media Literacy Access Initiative (MLAI).