Lincoln Center's Fresh, Bold & So Def Symposium

This historic event, held the hallowed grounds of Lincoln Center, signaled the start of an exciting three-part series commemorating the women who have made significant contributions to the Hip-Hop community.

The symposium was a moving celebration of the remarkable creativity and ability that women have cultivated in a field historically dominated by men. The event aimed to equip seasoned and up-and-coming creative leaders with new insights to advance Hip-Hop culture through a captivating range of panels and activities.

Martha Diaz, the Chief Curator of the Hip-Hop Education Center, expressed great delight in the symposium's goal of elevating the accomplishments of women in Hip-Hop within one of the country's most prestigious performing arts institutions. "Having a platform where our history is honored and can be shared, documented, and made accessible to the masses is not only monumental, it is empowering!" she said.

In line with this idea, Lee Bynum, the Chief Education Officer at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, emphasized the significance of elevating marginalized voices in the Hip-Hop industry to develop future leaders. "Providing this educational platform allows us to cultivate future leaders who appreciate the diversity of contributions that continue to shape this vital art form," Bynum stated.

The symposium offered a compelling schedule of events catering to the interest of both industry experts and high school students in the New York City area. During interactive workshops and a career cypher, the morning session aimed to teach students about the components of Hip-Hop culture. Meanwhile, the afternoon symposium provided industry experts with stimulating panel discussions, fireside talks, performances, and networking opportunities.

The provocative panel ‘DiSRUPTERS: WOMEN WHO DARED TO BE DiFFERENT’, hosted by renowned author and journalist Kathy Iandoli, highlighted the revolutionary experiences of Rosa Clemente, Claw Money, Erica Ford, and Jazzy Joyce. It was one of the symposium's highlights since it spoke deeply about the obstacles that the panelists have faced and how they have risen above those challenges. In her engaging talk, ‘BOSS UP! THE ART OF NEGOTIATION’, Wendy Day, the founder of the Rap Coalition, provided insightful advice on navigating the music business and how to become a fierce negotiator. She shared valuable tips on building a strong understanding of the music business and enlightening others on the critical role that business aspects play in an artist’s success.

Another standout session, ‘GAME CHANGERS: TRAILBLAZERS MENTORING THE NEXT GENERATION OF GIRLS & WOMEN IN HIP-HOP’, provided an inspiring platform for Misa Hylton, Tiffany Miranda, Michele Byrd-McPhee, Sophia Chang, and Shyvonne Sanganoo to share their experiences and wisdom on navigating the stormy waters of the music business. Sophia Chang shared valuable insight on her relationship to Wu-Tang and her navigation of the music business during this time of her career–while Mysa Hylton shared about how she navigated the integration of music and fashion. The fireside chat ‘STRAIGHTEN YOUR CROWN: STAYING GROUNDED AND CENTERED IN SELF-CARE’, facilitated by Toni Blackman and Shanti Das, emphasized the importance of self-care, prioritizing your wellness and mental health–including how to be resilient in the music industry. Their advice on resilience and prioritizing wellness resonated with many, providing a holistic approach to attaining success in the Hip-Hop industry.

The symposium concluded with dynamic performances by Full Circle Souljahs and Ladies of Hip-Hop, demonstrating the talent and liveliness of the Hip-Hop community. Held within the prestigious Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Cneter, the Fresh, Bold & So Def Symposium was a potent demonstration of the lasting impact and importance of women in shaping the vibrant culture of Hip-Hop. These performances were a fitting finale, showcasing the powerful energy and creativity that women bring to the genre. The event not only celebrated the contributions of women to Hip-Hop but also highlighted their ongoing influence in the evolving landscape of the art form. As the audience departed, there was a palpable sense of appreciation and recognition for the vital role that women continue to play in keeping Hip-Hop fresh, bold, and so def.