The Knowledge Cypher: Hip-Hop, Pedagogy, and Inclusive Excellence

The Knowledge Cypher Summit: Hip-Hop, Pedagogy, and Inclusive Excellence is an interdisciplinary summit that mobilizes hip-hop as a community-engaged framework for knowledge production, bringing together students, educators, cultural practitioners, and community members to advance belonging, transform pedagogy, and reimagine institutional life.

Connect with us on Instagram: @KnowledgeCypherMSU.

On Thursday, November 19, 6:30-8:30 pm meet us at the Broad Art Museum for our launch party. The evening will come alive with conversation, a collaborative community art installation, live DJ sets, dancing, interactive networking, and opportunities to view the We Are This Land exhibit — transforming the Broad Art Museum into a vibrant gathering space where ideas are exchanged, collaborations begin, and community takes center stage. A keynote will be provided by University of South Carolina scholar, hip-hop artist, and producer Dr. Jabari Evans.

On Friday, November 20, 4-7 pm at the MSU FCU Headquarters, registered participants will explore how hip-hop can inspire new approaches to curriculum development, hip-hop feminism, and partnership-building while creating meaningful connections between Michigan State University and the communities it serves. Tailored to pre-service educators, K-12 teachers, faculty, and all who have an appreciation for hip-hop culture. This day is all about hip-hop pedagogy. Sessions will be led by local artists and community scholars. Registered participants will be provided with a full agenda one week before the event. Food will be provided, and SCEHEs may be earned.

Continue celebrating with us on Saturday, November 21 at WKAR Public Media for The Showcase: Beats, Voices & Visions. This night will culminate in an immersive, high-energy production that merges performance, scholarship, storytelling, and community celebration. Designed as both a cultural event and a living demonstration of hip-hop pedagogy, the showcase highlights hip-hop as a site of knowledge production, creative resistance, healing, and collective expression.

Presented in partnership with WKAR’s Streetlight Sessions, the showcase draws inspiration from the live-audience experience celebrating authentic storytelling, artistic excellence, and deep community connection.