A hip-hop event March 9 aims to bring Native perspective to the forefront of the local hip-hop music scene.
Hosted in part by Tacoma Community College’s (TCC) Native American Student Union (NASU) and the Music Club, the on-campus show will feature the talents of Native rap group Savage Family, as well as other local hip-hop artists. The entertainment event will also show off some of TCC’s drama and comedy talents between hip-hop sets.
But the event will be more than just a chance for TCC students and the public to get a taste of the many local varieties of hip-hop.
Tribal member Calvin Satiacum, vice president of NASU, hopes this event will continue the fundraising and awareness efforts NASU is currently working on to support tribes in need in South Dakota.
NASU is joining the efforts of several other Native American groups across the nation to support Indian reservations in South Dakota that were severely impacted by harsh ice storms and severe temperatures that ripped through the region in late January.
Powerful snow and ice storms have caused power lines to fall, cutting off electricity and water to thousands of South Dakotans in the sub-zero temperatures. Many of those affected are on the Cheyenne River and Standing Rock Indian reservations.
The chairman of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe has declared a state of emergency for his community and is calling for immediate assistance.
NASU has been attempting to raise funds on the TCC campus to send to the affected region.
They hope the hip-hop event can be a continuation of the on-campus donation campaign, which will end Feb. 19.
Calvin Satiacum said that because of the great response to help victims of the recent earthquake in Haiti, the crisis mounting in South Dakota has received less attention and support.
“It’s great that we’re helping Haiti, but there are still babies that need to get on nebulizers, and elders who need their oxygen in South Dakota. We’re really trying to bring that awareness up and maybe people will donate,” he said.
“NASU just wants to help these people out and raise awareness about it.”
NASU plans to sell concessions at the event with proceeds going to disaster relief in South Dakota.
“Come see local artists, support your local artists…and let’s try and help these people out. Let’s try and get out this message.”
The NASU and TCC Music Club event will be held at 7 p.m. March 9 on TCC’s campus in the student union building, building 11 at 6501 S. 19th St.
