Back in the day, artists such as Queen Latifah and MC Lyte rocked the mike as hip-hop spread from the underground to the mainstream, and Denverite Day Acoli grew up with the music as other artists like Lauryn Hill represented for the ladies.
But for the most part, women are still objectified in the music. For Acoli, what's worse is the tendency of women to objectify themselves in hip-hop. Acoli believes it's a constant struggle for female artists to respectfully portray their femininity and sexuality, which is why she's hosting a Women in Hip-Hop community discussion that will feature a film on female rhymers along with live music, art, dance and spoken-word performances, all followed by a discussion.
"The discussion is going to be geared toward how we prepare our little girls for careers in hip-hop," Acoli says. "You tell her that she's a queen and not to falter, no matter what. She doesn't have to sell her sexuality. She doesn't have to get real masculine. She's divine, and she doesn't have to sacrifice that. Independence will carry her."
Show your support tonight at 6 p.m. at the Brooks Art Center, 1400 Williams Street. A $5 donation is suggested; proceeds will benefit a community cooperative. Visit myspace.com/dayacoli for information.
Sat., March 22, 6 p.m., 2008
