Social Media Reacts to JAY-Z's Campus Visit
New York City-born rapper, songwriter, entrepreneur and philanthropist helped launch the Shawn "JAY-Z" Carter Lecture Series in the Department of African American and African Diaspora Studies.

On February 4, Columbia students, faculty and staff packed The Forum for the launch of Shawn "JAY-Z" Carter Lecture Series. President Lee C. Bollinger opened the evening and spoke about the excitement generated at Columbia around these lectures. He then introduced Farah Jasmine Griffin, chair of the African American and African Diaspora Studies (AAADS) department, who talked about the dynamic group of academics who make up the department, as well as the future of the lecture series. Noam Gottesman, co-host of the event and Columbia University Trustee, introduced JAY-Z, focusing on his philanthropic efforts for social justice, prison reform and access to education.
Announcement of the Shawn "JAY-Z" Carter Lecture Series
Jelani Cobb facilitated the conversation with JAY-Z, speaking on broad topics ranging from JAY-Z's early musical influences like Big Daddy Kane and the Sugar Hill Gang to his activist work at Mississippi's Parchman Prison through his philanthropy, Team Roc, and his relationship with the NFL.
After the conversation, JAY-Z answered thoughtful (and thought-provoking) questions from students. Because there were so many students with questions, JAY-Z stayed late in order to hear from them.
Amy Hungerford, Executive Vice President for Arts and Sciences and Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, closed the night with a talk about JAY-Z's and Beyonce's contribution to contemporary cultural studies and then presented a video of Columbia and Barnard students dancing and singing to JAY-Z's "Empire State of Mind" at commencement. The legendary artist was cleared moved by the video.
It was an incredible way to kick off the series. Below are some social media posts featuring video clips from the evening.
On How His Success Has Given Him Access and the Ability to Make Change
“I walk into every room as myself. I don’t walk in any room as anyone else. I’m not cowering, I’m not speaking soft, my voice doesn’t change - it sounds exactly the same way. I’m walking as myself and proud and I speak for us and that gives me a joy.” - @S_C_ pic.twitter.com/YaXh2cOODI
— Roc Nation (@RocNation) February 6, 2020
Do We Need to Abolish Prisons?
“The ultimate goal is to change laws.” - @S_C_ pic.twitter.com/VdAKcSyhQ0
— Roc Nation (@RocNation) February 5, 2020
Thoughts on Social Media
“Sometimes it’s used for great, to organize people.” - @S_C_ pic.twitter.com/Ey5dTezSJN
— Roc Nation (@RocNation) February 5, 2020
Partnership With the NFL
“We need huge sweeping change for us to be able to affect something.” - @S_C_ pic.twitter.com/OMpDWBfGXb
— Roc Nation (@RocNation) February 6, 2020
Team Roc's Work in Parchman Prison
“We have soldiers all over the place, where we can work on issues in real-time and hopefully do some good.” - @S_C_ pic.twitter.com/a7w0Pj9uvC
— Roc Nation (@RocNation) February 6, 2020