What role can African American Studies play in developing students of the post-Hip Hop generations?

The question posed is in direct response to two events that our class participated in. The first was the City of Champaign presentation to community residents regarding the plans for the redevelopment of Bristol Park. There were concerns that the outcome of the project was going to be gentrification of another historically African American space. The second event was the African American Cultural Center's state of the black student at Illinois program. Students expressed concerns about racist incidents in the residence halls, being the only African American in class, and the difficulty some students have adjusting to a predominately white campus.

Has African American Studies addressed issues like these in the past? If so, what were the results? Have African American Studies programs addressed gentrification issues in communities, If so, what were the results? Are these areas that Hip Hop could play a role, if so, how?

Did Brown address any of these issues in the latest readings, if so, what did he say and what can we learn from his discourse?

How can Black Studies connect with the Hip Hop and post-Hip Hop generations?

Thus far, Brown has really set a tone of disdain for the current state of Black Studies departments and programs. Remember, Brown is from the era that created the perfect storm for Black Studies to exist in the late 1960's and early 70's. However, in a reminiscent way, he talked about how proud he was of a more contemporary moment of protest when a group of black students at Berkley kicked off the black out protest. In that same instance he expressed his contempt for white students who dismissed it as well off black kid demagoguery. I think we have arrived at a point in the reading where Brown consistently reflects on how university administration derailed the advancement of African Americans in the academy, which then cripples efforts to advance African American communities as a whole.

So, where does Black Studies go from here? If Brown makes the argument that Hip Hop and post Hip Hop generations can redefine black studies, it's going to be a hard argument to support. Two words. Promotion and tenure. The promotion and tenure structure of universities and colleges often do not encourage junior faculty to be involved in communities. Publishing and research initiatives often dictate how a junior faculty member is positioned in the academy. Unfortunately, being involved in African American community redevelopment is not rewarded. Why is that? Moreover, given the current climate of university and African American community relations can Hip Hop Studies become the new Black Studies?