Hurt will screen his acclaimed documentary "Beyond Beats and Rhymes" and speak at UH at 7 p.m., April 16. This free event is presented by UH's Women's Resource Center and is underwritten by the Tenneco Lecture Series.
Since 1993, Hurt has used his talents as a filmmaker and scribe to provoke thought and dialogue on how people view gender and race in America.
"Beyond Beats and Rhymes" focuses on gender roles in hip-hop music and culture. It specifically observes images of masculinity and how they often intersect with messages of homophobia, misogyny and violence. The film has been shown at the Sundance Film Festival among other high profile festivals and events.
"Bringing Byron Hurt to campus fits with the mission of the Women's Resource Center as we are working to increase respect and safety for women in the community," said Beverly McPhail, director of the Women's Resource Center."He presents a provocative critique of some types of hip-hop, and their representations of women. It helps to have strong men add their voices to the work of women who are addressing these issues. Mr. Hurt is a powerful advocate, calling for the respect and self-respect, of women."
Hurt has shared his insight on race, gender and violence on national television (ABC News, Access Hollywood) and in the press (The New York Times, The Washington Post).
His efforts to promote non-violence and anti-sexism also have extended beyond the media as he is a co-founder of Mentors in Violence Prevention, the leading college-based rape and domestic violence prevention initiative aimed at athletes. He also is also the former associate director of the first gender violence prevention program in the United States Marine Corps.
For more details on Hurt's appearance and the Women's Resource Center, visit http://www.uh.edu/wrc/. To learn more about Hurt and his work, visit http://www.bhurt.com/.
| WHAT: | Film and lecture: Byron Hurt presents "Beyond Beats and Rhymes" |
| WHEN: | 7 p.m., Thursday, April 16 |
| WHERE: | Cullen Performance Hall University of Houston - Entrance 1 Houston, TX 77204 |
| WHO: | UH Women's Resource Center |
For more information about UH visit the university's Newsroom at www.uh.edu/newsroom.