Necessary!

Exhibit presented by Khalid el-Hakim
(Following lecture w/ Professor Griff)
Date: Thursday, Feb. 23rd
Time: Exhibit Displayed: 11AM-6PM-SC206
Lecture: 6PM- Center Theatre

Exhibit Description: The NECESSARY! exhibit is over 200 artifacts on the life and legacy of Malcolm X. NECESSARY! takes a fresh and bold approach to teaching the legacy of Malcolm X in America through original letters, handbills, photographs, newspapers, magazines, figurines, and other memorabilia. The artifacts are displayed chronologically starting with items from slavery that build a context around what produced a revolutionary mind such as Malcolm X in America and ends with Malcolm X's influence on the powerful conscious voices in hip hop culture. Some of the highlights of the exhibit include: one page from the Alex Haley typewritten interview with Malcolm X for Playboy magazine signed by Malcolm X, the original lynching photograph from Marion, Indiana that inspired the song "Strange Fruit", an original letter written by Elijah Muhammad, a handbill advertising Malcolm X speaking in Washington, DC, Black Panther newspapers showing Malcolm X's influence, and original hip hop artifacts from KRS One and Public Enemy.

Lecture Description: Professor Griff is an American rapper and spoken word artist. He is a member of the Hip-Hop group Public Enemy and head of the Security of the First World. When Public Enemy was formed and signed to Def Jam, Ridenhour invited Griffin to be a sideman. Unity Force was renames “The Security of the First World”, or S1W for short. The S1W’s were brought along, and became a curious combination of bodyguards/ dancers for the band. Their stage routines were a loose combination of martial arts, military drill and “step show” dances lifted from black college fraternities. His role was also the “Minister of Information”, the intellectual public face of the band for interviews etcetera, as Flavor Flav was the “fun” one. He was rarely MC’ing except between songs. Professor Griff has started to emerge on the conspiracy theory scene, typically New World Order conspiracy theory. He is known for linking these allegations to past and present celebrities and well-known figures. Professor Griff’s lecture will focus on Malcolm X's influence on Public Enemy and other conscious hip hop artists.

Please visit the Black History Mobile Museum website: www.blackhistory101mobilemuseum.com

Contact: Rebecca Comage, Assistant Director Student Involvement
rebecca.comage@uky.edu,(859) 257-0179