Covenant News

Finding God's Truth and Justice in 'Hip Hop'

CHICAGO, IL (March 17, 2005) - "God's truth can be found in hip-hop," says pastor Phil Jackson of "The House," a new hip-hop church in Chicago's Lawndale neighborhood and one of the featured speakers at this weekend's "hip-hop symposium" at North Park University.

According to a recent article on MTV.com ("Finding My Religion: Hip-Hop Gets the Spirit" by Shaheem Reid), "pop culture is not only leaning toward religion - it's shouting about it. But one segment of the culture is shouting louder than everyone else: hip-hop." Hip-hop artist DMX is considering putting down the microphone and taking up the cloth, while singer Kanye West is releasing wildly popular songs like "Jesus Walks."

Embracing this phenomenon is North Park University and its Center for Youth Ministry Studies, which will host "Hip-Hop: A Voice for Justice" on Saturday. The event is a gathering of youth workers and high school students from across Chicago and the Midwest.

From 1-5 p.m., participants will learn how justice manifests itself in hip-hop and how hip-hop music may reveal religious truths. Performers will include Christian hip-hop artists Corey Red & Precise. Admission is $10 per person - $8 for groups of five or more. Tickets and details are available by calling 773-244-5207.

"Hip Hop: A Voice for Justice" will include dialogue between panelists and the audience on such topics as the past, present and future of justice in the hip-hop culture. The sessions will be interspersed with rapping, small group discussions - even dancing. At 7:30 p.m., an "Open Mic Nite" will encourage local hip-hop artists (as well as beginners) to take the stage and let their voices be heard.

Throughout the 2004-2005 academic year, the North Park University community has been exploring the question, "What is Justice?" as part of its campus theme program. Recent events include "Justice and Immigration," "A Just Response to AIDS: AIDS in Africa," and "Music as a Tool for Justice." Upcoming events include "Justice and World Hunger" on April 7 and "Reflecting on Justice" on April 29. To learn more about these events online, visit www.northpark.edu/campustheme or call 773-244-5553.

Corey Red & Precise grew up in the ghettoes of New York City and have gone on to perform with top musical acts and even at the Pentagon at the request of the military chaplain. Corey Red says he came to know the Lord after being miraculously saved after being stabbed. Precise also had been involved with crime and drugs. The two met in 1997 and have been performing together since that time.

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