In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, the Michigan State University (MSU) Museum, in partnership with the Native American Institute and WKAR, is excited to host Indigenous Hip Hop: Frank Waln’s Journey of Music, Activism, and Resilience on Thursday, November 7, 2024, from 6:00 – 7:30 PM at the WKAR Studio in the Communications Arts and Sciences Building, followed by a reception.
Frank Waln, an award-winning Sicangu Lakota Indigenous hip-hop artist, public speaker, educator, and advocate for Indigenous rights uses music to reflect resilience and honor his family’s history. Waln has been recognized for his work on prominent platforms such as MTV, NPR, and CNN.
“Frank Waln’s music and activism affirms our commitment to amplifying Indigenous voices, sparking conversations that inspire reflection and foster a deeper understanding of Indigenous experiences,” said Kevin Leonard, Director of the MSU Native American Institute and moderator for the talk.
Waln’s work has been showcased at prestigious venues, including the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, the Linden Museum in Germany, and the Kennedy Center. He also curated a music exhibit for the Native American Exhibition Hall at the Field Museum in Chicago and organized the city’s first-ever all-Indigenous music showcase during the 2022 Pritzker Pavilion Outdoor Summer Music Series.
For over a decade, Waln has spoken at colleges and universities worldwide, including residencies at Stanford University and Harvard University. His most recent work focuses on his family’s history with boarding schools, a theme he explored during his 2023-2024 artist residency at Harvard. In recognition of his dedication to cultural preservation, Harvard’s Committee on the Arts commissioned Waln to curate programs and create music that pays tribute to his great-grandmother, a survivor of Indian boarding schools. He currently teaches Indigenous music and history at Western Michigan University.
“The MSU Museum is honored to present this event in collaboration with our campus partners,” expressed MSU Museum Director Devon Akmon. “This event explores the intersection of arts, cultures, and activism, exemplifying how creativity can drive social change and create a better world for all.”
Due to the intimate nature of the event, space is extremely limited, and RSVPs are required. The program will also be available via livestream, extending its reach to audiences beyond the university. For RSVP and more details about the event, please visit the event page.