Swem Library is marking Women’s History Month with an event celebrating women in hip hop. The highlight of the evening will be two panel discussions featuring local women in the Virginia music business.
The “Women in Hip Hop: 3rd Annual William & Mary Hip Hop Collection Celebration” will include an art exhibition by local artists Asa Jackson, Brennan Crick and Mustafa Malik Shabazz; blog rooms; a DJ; refreshments; a networking station; and more.
The event will take place on Friday, March 20 in the library’s Botetourt Theatre and Gallery, ground floor, from 5-7:30 p.m. The reception will be held from 5-6 p.m. with the panel discussions beginning at 6 p.m.
The panels will be moderated by Cat Robinson of The Vadio Show. The first panel will feature Dominique Da Diva, radio personality from 106.5 The Beat and 103 Jamz; M$ Blendz, Blendzville Global CEO; Rachael Faunce, community and media relations professional; DJ Dirty Di of WLAB Radio; and DJ Erika B of Beatminerz Radio.
The second panel will feature Desiree Williams, hip hop artist manager; Marquita “Ms. Hollywood” Childress, model with Core Model Worldwide; LaShawn Shellma, singer/songwriter and member of music group Sista; hip hop artist Abys; and Yomashei, hair braider to Pusha T and Allen Iverson.
During the event, the library will honor Cymandye “Lady C” Russell for her contributions to the Virginia hip hop community and her support of the W&M Hip Hop Collection. Russell is an on-air personality with WNSB Hot 91.1, a blogger for HipHopSince1987.com and owner of Art Riche, a design company.
The event is free and open to the public. Parking is available in the faculty/staff lots behind the library and in the parking garage on Ukrop Way. Parking passes are not required on Friday after 5 p.m. Attendees are asked to RSVP to swemrsvp@wm.edu.
Pictured (from left to right): Cymandye Russell, Mz Meka and M$ Blendz attend last year's hip hop celebration at Swem Library.