On April 5, 2025, the David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center pulsed with the undeniable energy of legacy, empowerment, and visionary storytelling as a powerhouse lineup of women gathered for “Trailblazers Talk: Celebrating Women in Hip-Hop.” Held in honor of New York City’s Women in Hip-Hop Day, this unforgettable evening spotlighted twelve pioneers and cultural architects who have not only shaped the genre but redefined its future.
With a TED Talk-style format, each speaker brought a unique lens—whether archival, artistic, or academic—to their deeply personal and impactful presentations. The result? A collective masterclass in Hip-Hop’s evolution, its intersection with feminism, and the ongoing fight for visibility and preservation.
Martha Diaz, founder of the Hip-Hop Education Center and FBSD Archives, opened the night with a call to action around institutional memory—reminding the crowd that archiving Black and Brown cultural work is a radical act of resistance. She set the tone for what would be an evening not only of reflection but celebration and strategic vision.
Dr. Irma McClaurin, anthropologist and founder of the Irma McClaurin Black Feminist Archive, delivered a powerful reflection on Black feminist praxis in Hip-Hop, making it clear that women have always been more than participants—they’ve been architects. Fellow archivist India Mallard followed, underlining the importance of accessible cultural records and how the act of documentation itself is a form of activism.
Filmmaker and philanthropist Lisa Cortés offered cinematic insight into how storytelling—particularly through film—can uplift hidden histories and challenge the mainstream narratives that often omit women of color. Meanwhile, DJ and cultural historian Tara “Big Tara” Crichlow paid homage to the foundational roles women played in Hip-Hop’s early days, from the turntables to the dancefloor, weaving personal memory with critical history.
One of the most internationally resonant moments came from Aruna Vermeulen, co-founder of HipHopHuis in Rotterdam, who emphasized Hip-Hop’s global impact and the responsibility that comes with shaping the culture across borders. Beat maker and professor Suzi Analogue electrified the room with a sonic deep dive into sound, technology, and Black womanhood, while legendary photographer Koi Sojer reminded us how images have the power to preserve truth in a world that often distorts it.
Hip-Hop battle rap pioneer Sparky D, now a minister, brought the audience to its feet with a raw, faith-filled account of resilience and reinvention. She was followed by Dr. Enongo “SAMMUS” Lumumba-Kasongo, a scholar-artist who dissected the politics of identity in Hip-Hop spaces and her experience balancing intellect and artistry.
Rokafella, ever dynamic as a dancer, educator, and filmmaker, challenged attendees to rethink gender roles in the breaking scene—her presence alone a testament to women’s long-standing influence in the physical vocabulary of Hip-Hop. Emma Lee M.C. delivered a poetic and lyrical tribute to the genre’s roots, while DJ Perly, the first and only two-time DMC Champion, demonstrated that mastery of the craft knows no gender.
Closing the evening, Queen Herawin commanded the room with a vibrant fusion of knowledge and performance, bridging her work as an MC, educator, and cultural ambassador with an impassioned message: Hip-Hop’s future is in the hands of those who remember, uplift, and innovate.
The event, free and open to the public, was filled to capacity—proof that the hunger for intergenerational, inclusive storytelling is as strong as ever. More than a celebration, Trailblazers Talk was a declaration: women have always been at the heart of Hip-Hop, and they’re not just reflecting on history—they’re making it.
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