By Jaelon Jackson
School of Social Work
From left Dr. Anthony D. Greene, director of the African American Studies Program and sociology associate professor at College of Charleston, and from the University of Texas at Arlington Social Work Associate Professor Dr. Jandel Crutchfield, History Assistant Professor Dr. J. Anthony Guillory, Social Work Adjunct Assistant Professor Dr. Pamela “Safisha” Hill, and Dr. Jason Shelton, sociology professor and Director of the Center for African American Studies pose for a photo at CAAS' 12th Annual Conference held Feb. 7 in the University Center at UTA.
The University of Texas at Arlington’s Center for African American Studies recently marked the 50th anniversary of hip-hop at its 12th Annual Conference, offering two social work professors a platform for reflection and dialogue.
Dr. Jandel Crutchfield, social work associate professor and CAAS faculty affiliate, not only attended the event but also took on the role of a panel moderator. Alongside her, Social Work Adjunct Assistant Professor and CAAS faculty affiliate Dr. Pamela “Safisha” Hill lent her insights to the discussion as a panel member.
"As a CAAS faculty affiliate, I always want to show up to support the important work of CAAS. It was a treat to be able to reminisce with panelists on the history of hip hop," Crutchfield said.
Adding to the richness of the panel was Dr. Hill, a distinguished member with her own unique perspective on hip-hop.
"I enjoyed participating on the panel regarding hip-hop,” Hill said. “Although I do not consider myself part of the hip-hop generation of the 1990s, I am part of the old school generation of the 1980s, during the era when the music was revolutionary and unapologetically Black.”
The conference provided an interesting intersection between social work and hip-hop, two fields with shared roots in addressing societal issues. Crutchfield and Hill's participation emphasized the relevance of social work in understanding and addressing the complexities within hip-hop culture.
With a focus on the 50-year journey of hip-hop, panelists engaged in discussions about its evolution. Crutchfield contributed by reflecting on the history of hip-hop alongside fellow panelists.
These conversations shed light on the cultural, social, and political impacts of hip-hop over the past five decades.
CAAS' 12th Annual Conference not only celebrated hip-hop's rich legacy but also provided a platform for interdisciplinary discussions.
Their roles in the panel highlighted the connection between social work and hip-hop, emphasizing the importance of such conversations in addressing complex societal issues.
The conference celebrated 50 years of hip-hop and displayed the influential role of cultural expressions in shaping our world.