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Hip hop has long been a part of popular American culture, yet when it comes to being perceived as legitimate by prestigious institutions, it is often left behind. The 21st spoke with two music educators from universities in Illinois about the push to legitimize hip hop in academia.
The 21st spoke to the Girls Like Me Project founder La’ Keisha Gray-Sewell about the organization and how it helps young Black girls take a critical look at the media and culture, and find a voice of their own.
State Sen. Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) joined The 21st to discuss cannabis policy, gun violence and improving community relations with law enforcement with guest host Lamont Holden. Bennett reached out to Holden after reading his essay about being Black in America.
Through sunshine, rain and snow, a man in Chicago jumped into Lake Michigan every day for a year during the pandemic. He joined The 21st to discuss what started this ritual and what kept him coming back to the lake.
The 21st was joined by a bird expert a conservation educator about America’s most iconic bird. The Bald Eagle population has rebounded in the past two decades and here in Illinois there are now nests in all 102 counties. But there are new threats to America's national bird.
