I’m Meghana Thatikonda, a computer science master’s student at Georgia State University, and I was involved in creating this website focused on political rap. My responsibilities included web scraping and website development. During the process of gathering lyrics for analysis by our research team, I gained valuable insights into the world of political rap. Collaborating with the team deepened my understanding of the genre’s socio-political significance and its role as a platform for expression and activism. I’m grateful to Dr. Bonnette-Bailey, our project’s lab leader, for providing me with this opportunity. This experience expanded both my knowledge of computer science and my understanding of the cultural and political aspects of the genre.
I am Tyronae J. Smith, a senior political science major from Dillard University. I enjoy indulging in pop culture and politics; including but not limited to, humanitarian rights, reproductive health, and race & gender relations. I aspire to implement effective change via policy to achieve fundamental fairness for all, regardless of sexual/ gender identity, race, class, or ethnicity to ensure that we progress toward a just and equitable society.
+ cookie quote “I am honored to be working on this project, which incorporates two of my favorite topics. I hope that this database will provide viewers with a positive perspective of hip-hop as means of artistic expression”
Emma Alamgir (she/her) is a junior in Georgia State University’s honors program pursuing a BA in psychology. During the school year, she is part of Dr. Jennie Burnet’s undergraduate anthropology research assistantship program with whom she recently won overall 2nd place and DEI awards for her group oral presentation at GSU’s Undergraduate Research Conference. She is also a part-time intern at the Mercer Family Therapy Center and has worked in Dr. Bonnette-Bailey’s lab as a part of HIP’s Summer Immersion program. In her free time, you can find Emma at local music shows, community-led events, exploring Atlanta’s art scene, or reading a good book.
Indya Davis is a senior at Georgia State University pursuing a bachelor’s degree in art history. Her studies include modern and contemporary art across the African diaspora. She is interested in analyzing ways in which exclusion from art historical canon influence Black artistic production. As an art historian, she seeks to critically access art historical practices that limit the analysis of Black art.
Indya participated in the Humanities Inclusivity Program’s 2023 summer immersion (HIP-SI), where she worked with Dr. Bonnette-Bailey on the Political Rap Database. This project helped advance her research capabilities and gain experience cataloguing cultural history.
Hi! My name is Torri Burgess, I am from Houston, Texas, and going into my senior year at the illustrious Dillard University in New Orleans, Louisiana. As a political science major, I intend on continuing my educational journey by obtaining my Ph.D. in Political Science. Since becoming Mcnair Scholar I have gained many opportunities such as being a part of the political rap lab which has allowed me to gain experience and knowledge of politics in black culture.
Graciela or their moniker GeeXella (pronounced Jee-EL-LUH) is an AfroLatinx, Non-binary, and Queer transdisciplinary artist. They are currently perusing their BA in Africana Studies at Georgia State. They engage their work as an extension of cultural organizing for the liberation of Black and marginalized people. The needs of the community continuously inspire their work as a musician, collage artist, and sound healer. They are on a constant exploration to connect their art through the medium of curated communal gatherings, whether it be through a dance floor or bookstore. Their comrades and friends inspire them and see community as an integral part of their work. Graciela practices conjuring safe spaces for themselves and others, while also giving thanks to ancestral people that occupied the land before them.