Mic Check: The Arts as a Voice of Social Change

In celebration of the LBJ Presidential Library’s exhibit Hip-Hop America: The Mixtape Exhibit, the Future Forum hosted a conversation on how art — from visual arts to music and hip-hop specifically — could drive social change.

Hip-hop had always been more than music — it was a movement rooted in expression, resistance, and community. This conversation examined how the arts more broadly continued to inspire activism, policy conversations, and grassroots engagement.

Speakers:

• Gina Chavez, President of the Recording Academy, Texas Chapter, Latin GRAMMY Nominee
• Jason Rawls, Assistant Professor of Hip Hop, Ohio State University
• Raúl Valdez, Austin muralist focusing themes of social justice and human rights
• Moderator: Bavu Blakes, Scholar Emcee; co-founder, Hip Hop Grew Up

Following the panel, guests were invited to enjoy a reception and after-hours access to the Hip-Hop America exhibit on the third floor. DJ Abe the Ambassador provided music, and the Store at LBJ stayed open late so guests could browse the hip-hop selection.