EVENTS CURATED BY: I’Ja Marie

 This event, “Step into the Rhythmic Realm,” curated by I’Ja, paid homage to DJs as the backbone of hip-hop. Featuring performances by DJ Shurn, CaSera “DJ Ca$h Era” Heining, and Nathan Brown, the event showcased the club’s commitment to celebrating hip-hop’s rich culture and history.

With a focus on creativity, collaboration, and community, the Hip-Hop Club is proving that hip-hop is alive and thriving at Columbia College Chicago. 

READ EVENT RECAP: https://columbiachronicle.com/campus/after-long-hiatus-hip-hop-club-is-back/

 In honor of Black History Month, Columbia College Chicago’s Hip-Hop Club launched “Our Cultural Odyssey,” a series of events aimed at fostering dialogue and community among Black students. The first event, “The Culture: Community Town Hall Mixer,” was curated by I’Ja  Wright 

Held on February 6, 2024, at HAUS (623 S. Wabash Ave.), the event featured a panel discussion on the experiences of Black students and faculty at Columbia. Panelists included Sarah Bonds (VP of the Black Student Union), Jewel Baker (President of the Student Programming Board), and Robert Hanserd (Associate Professor of Humanities, History, and Social Sciences).

Through conversation and music, the town hall highlighted issues of representation, microaggressions, and the importance of community. The panelists also encouraged students to actively advocate for change through written communication with the administration.

I’Ja’s vision for “Our Cultural Odyssey” is to ensure Black students feel seen and heard throughout Black History Month and beyond.

READ EVENT RECAP:https://columbiachronicle.com/campus/hip-hop-club-hosts-first-mixer-of-event-series-for-black-history-month/

 I’Ja Wright, SGA representative to the Board of Trustees, organized the Health Access and Equity Fair on Nov. 13, 2024, in partnership with the Center for Student Wellbeing. The event aimed to inform students about healthcare resources beyond TimelyCare, including community organizations like Sista Afya, Near North Health, and Planned Parenthood. Students learned about accessible health insurance coverage and resources supporting marginalized communities.

READ EVENT RECAP:  https://columbiachronicle.com/campus/sga-partners-with-advocates-to-inform-students-on-wellness-access-health-equity-resources/

 I’Ja Wright president of the Hip-Hop Club, curated the Love & Lyrics writing session on Sept. 19, 2024, at The Hive. The event, featuring guest speaker Kyla Turner (Ms. Mamas), focused on storytelling through creative writing. Turner, a poet and journalist, guided participants through prompts encouraging them to explore their passions and personal experiences. Students shared their work, showcasing raw and heartfelt expressions ranging from love and inspiration to heartbreak and mental health. Wright's dedication to connecting Columbia's hip-hop community with the broader Chicago hip-hop scene continues to flourish through events like this.

READ EVENT RECAP: https://columbiachronicle.com/campus/hip-hop-club-guides-students-through-storytelling-at-love-lyrics-writing-session/

I'Ja Wright launched Empower Hour, a weekly series held every Wednesday from 5 to 6 p.m. in the Student Center Loft. Designed to provide students with a platform to discuss pressing issues, share experiences, and explore solutions, the series fosters meaningful dialogue on topics such as media representation, leadership, mental health, and activism in the Black community. The first session, held during Black History Month, encouraged collaborative conversation, while the second session, 'The Power of Storytelling: Black Narratives & Media Representation,' featured guest speaker Quonyel Shelton, who shared her journey as a social media influencer navigating creative industries.

This session, co-led by Tiana Hill, social worker co-director of the Center for Student Wellbeing, emphasized the importance of balancing advocacy with self-care. Hill stressed that wellness should be redefined to suit individual needs and encouraged students to embrace mistakes as part of their growth. Empower Hour continues to be a powerful space for students to celebrate their identity, address challenges, and gain tools to support each other effectively.

READ EVENT RECAP: https://columbiachronicle.com/uncategorized/student-rep-to-colleges-board-of-trustees-creates-empower-hour/

 I'Ja Wright also curated the 'In the Haus' event at the Columbia Hip-Hop Conference, held on July 31 at Columbia College Chicago. The conference celebrated the 20th anniversary of Chicago Hip-Hop Heritage Month and the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, bringing together artists from across Chicago for conversations, performances, and community-building. 'In the Haus' featured student cyphers, performances, and DJ sets, emphasizing hip-hop as a lifestyle and a language of self-expression and connection. Wright’s dedication to uplifting hip-hop culture was evident in her efforts to create a space where artists could share their craft and inspire the next generation.

READ EVENT RECAP: https://columbiachronicle.com/campus/columbia-hosts-chicago-hip-hop-conference-inspiring-young-artists/#