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.
