Talib Kweli: Race, Justice and Hip Hop

In conversation with Judge LaDoris H. Cordell (ret), Independent Police Auditor, City of San Jose

“The length of black life is treated with short worth.” – Black Star

Amadou Diallo, an unarmed West African immigrant, was shot 41 times by four police officers in 1999. In response, Talib Kweli organized Hip Hop for Respect to speak out against police brutality, assembling 41 emcees to represent the 41 shots fired. Now, 15 years later, and in the wake of the deaths of Eric Garner, Michael Brown and countless others, Talib continues to speak out against the militarization of the police force, the prison industrial complex, and institutionalized racism. Considered one of the most lyrically gifted and socially aware rappers of our time, Talib feels that artists have a responsibility to the communities that support their careers.

Hear from Talib Kweli about his experience in Ferguson, the connection between hip hop and civil rights, and what he’s learned from 20 years in the music business.