The ASUO Multicultural Center plans to include more “powerful women” in its lineup this year, and it’s starting with a bang. Controversial spoken word performer, actress and playwright Sarah Jones will come to 180 PLC at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Multicultural Center program adviser Steve Morozumi said Jones’ art addresses the issue of misogyny surrounding the hip-hop scene, advocating for a larger, more inclusive community.
“We’re extremely excited about (her appearance) because we want cutting-edge programs,” he said, “as far as people who are pushing the envelope, creating a more positive environment.”
Jones’ “environment” is thought-provoking to say the least. Dubbed a “slam-poet champ” by Entertainment Weekly, the performance artist and winner of the Nuyorican Poets Cafe Grand Slam Competition is embroiled in a controversy with the Federal Communications Commission. The FCC imposed a $7,000 fine against Portland’s KBOO-FM radio station after it broadcast “Your Revolution,” Jones’ musical poem protesting the stereotyping and degradation of women in mainstream hip-hop.
The poem, circa 1999 and patterned after Gil Scott-Heron’s poem, “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised,” contained what the FCC called “patently offensive” sexual references.
Jones has shunned definitions of political correctness and multiculturalism.
Multicultural Center spokeswoman Kawezya Hutchinson pointed to an article focusing on Jones in Interview Magazine’s July 2000 issue.
“Forget about the melting pot … multicultural is not a buzz word,” Jones told Interview. “This is reality, not just a PC Culture.”
Jones has spoken out against the FCC, and KBOO-FM appealed the ruling.
Her appearance at the University is also sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Affairs, the Black Student Union, the ASUO Women’s Center and the President’s Fund.
Students and community members interested in experiencing Jones’ “high-voltage” brand of entertainment should arrive early Tuesday evening because seating is limited. Admission is one can of food, which will be donated to Food for Lane County.