Winter Quarter 2026: realtalk

Music has always been political—whether it’s naming injustice, preserving culture, or resisting oppression. From spirituals and protest songs rooted in Black liberation traditions to today’s mainstream hits, artists have used music to speak truths that move people across generations. In this realtalk, we’ll explore who gets to be political in mainstream music, how power shapes whose voices are heard, and how different generations listen to, interpret, and respond to political music.

This program explores the evolving meaning of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in higher education amid recent political and policy changes. In response to Executive Order 14151 issued in January 2025, colleges and universities have been forced to reassess their approaches to inclusion and equity. This Real Talk program examines how these changes have affected campus communities and provides space for students to share how they see diversity, equity, and includion in their lives.