Watkins Facilitates Discussion about Impact of Hip Hop Imagery on Young People Jan. 10

Event: Following a free preview screening of the PBS film Hip-Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes, Craig Watkins, associate professor of Radio-TV-Film, will lead a discussion about the impact of hip-hop’s frequently violent and sexual imagery on young men and women, their relationships and their community.

When: 6 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2007

Where: George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, 1165 Angelina Street. Visit http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/carver/ for maps.

Background: Hip-Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes, takes an in-depth look at representations of manhood, sexism and homophobia in hip-hop culture. This groundbreaking documentary is a “loving critique” of certain disturbing developments in rap music culture from the point of view of a fan who challenges the art form’s representations of masculinity. The documentary airs Feb. 20 and 23 on KLRU Austin PBS.

The Jan. 10 event is part of the Echoes of Color film series, a free three-part film series that provides a forum on issues of particular concern to the African American Community. The first event took place in October 2006 with additional events in January and April 2007. Participants will watch films together and then be able to examine issues, engage in dialogue with others who share these concerns, and be given opportunities for hands-on problem solving through neighboring and volunteer activities. For more information, visit the Echoes of Color blog at www.echoesofcolor.org.

This event is sponsored by KLRU-TV, Austin PBS, Hands on Central Texas (a program of the United Way), The George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, and Austin Area Heritage Council.

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Contact: Maury Sullivan, KLRU

(512) 475-9087

msullivan@klru.org