The nonprofit Hip-Hop for Change mobilizes young people to fight for social justice using hip-hop culture as an educational tool, and the organization is gearing up for its third annual Women’s Empowerment Summit, a free concert and panel discussion starring some of the leading ladies of the Bay Area hip-hop scene, plus a national headliner: Atlanta rapper Sa-Roc, whose last Oakland appearance was when she joined headliner Black Thought on stage at Hiero Day 2018. 

Local MCs Alia Sharrief and Ryan Nicole will join Sa-Roc on stage. Sharrief is an activist and founder of the Hijabi Chronicles, a platform that promotes Muslim women’s creativity. Ryan Nicole, a TEDx fellow and stage actress, is also a community organizer and brand consultant for grassroots organizations and small businesses. DJs Umami and Lady Ryan, both prolific in the local nightlife scene, will spin as well.

The panel portion of the Women’s Empowerment Summit features rapper, activist and former music journalist Rocky Rivera and poet, novelist and UC Berkeley professor Aya de Leon. They’ll be in conversation about women’s leadership and social issues affecting the Bay Area, with Sterling James from KBLX as host.

The Women’s Empowerment Summit takes place on March 9 at the Uptown Night Club in Oakland. Details here.