The Evolution of Street Knowledge:
Hip Hop’s Influence on Law and Culture

West Virginia University
College of Law

WVU Law Center
Marlyn E. Lugar Courtroom
February 12-13, 2009

Thursday, February 12th:
3:00 p.m.
Welcome

Dean Joyce McConnell
West Virginia University College of Law
Marjorie Fuller, Director
WVU Center for Black Culture and Research
Emily Chatterjee
American Constitution Society

3:30 p.m.
Panel I—When MCs Meet JDs: Hip-Hop’s
Complex Relationship with Intellectual Property

Panelists:
Olufunmilayo Arewa, Associate Professor of Law
Northwestern University Law School
Horace Anderson, Associate Professor of Law
Pace Law School
Sherri Burr, Professor of Law
University of New Mexico School of Law
Akilah Folami, Associate Professor of Law
Hofstra Law School
Tonya M. Evans-Walls, Assistant Professor of Law
Widener Law School
Moderator:
Will Rhee, Associate Professor of Law,
West Virginia University College of Law

6:00 p.m.
Keynote Address:
Talib Kweli, Hip Hop Artist and Activist, Marlyn E. Lugar Courtroom

7:00 p.m. Reception: College of Law Lobby

Friday, February 13th:
9:00 a.m.
Welcome

Anne Lofaso, Associate Professor of Law,
West Virginia University College of Law

9:15 a.m.
Panel II—Arrested Development:
The Almighty Pursuit of Street Cred

Panelists:
andré douglas pond cummings, Professor of Law,
West Virginia University College of Law
D. Aaron Lacy, Associate Professor of Law
Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law
Reginald Robinson, Professor of Law
Howard University School of Law
Moderator:
Atiba Ellis, Legal Writing Instructor,
Howard University School of Law

10:30 a.m.
Panel III—From The Corner to the Corner Office:
Hip Hop’s Impact on Corporate Culture and Law

Panelists:
Carla Pratt, Professor of Law
Texas Wesleyan School of Law
Nick J. Sciullo, State Director
Growth Options for the 21st Century
Kamille Wolff, Assistant Professor of Law
Thurgood Marshall School of Law
Moderator:
Jena Martin, Legal Writing Instructor,
Howard University School of Law

12 Noon—Luncheon, Davis Gallery

1:15 p.m.
Panel IV—Stepping to the Mic:
Hip Hop’s Expanding Voice in Social and Political Discourse

Panelists:
Pamela Bridgewater, Professor of Law,
American University Washington School of Law
Anthony Farley, James C. Matthews
Distinguished Professor of Jurisprudence
Albany Law School
Robin Magee, Associate Professor of Law
Hamline University School of Law
Camille Nelson, Visiting Professor of Law
Washington University Law School
Moderator:
Caprice Roberts, Associate Dean and Professor of Law,
West Virginia University College of Law

4:00 p.m.
Keynote Address:
Dr. Cornel West
Class of 1943 University Professor,
Princeton University,
Center for African American Studies
In cooperation with the West Virginia University “Festival of Ideas”,
Dr. West’s address will be presented at the West Virginia University
Mountainlair Ballroom located on the downtown campus
with a book signing and reception to follow.

5:00 p.m.
Book Signing with Dr. West

6:00 p.m.
Reception

Web Cast

The Evolution of Street Knowledge: Hip Hop’s Influence on Law and Culture
will web cast live during scheduled times for panels and keynote speakers