This morning, GSU held its Women’s History Month Lyceum Program in the T.H. Harris Auditorium, with the legendary MC Lyte as the keynote speaker. “The God-Mother of Hip-hop” delivered an inspiring message to each vessel that was open and willing to receive it. MC Lyte, whose given name is Lana Moorer, is a well known hip-hop pioneer, lyricist, inspirational speaker, DJ, entrepreneur and above all, a phenomenal woman in history.
Keion Hayes/The Gramblinite
“Be the change you want to be,” said MC Lyte as she spoke to Grambling State.
After the Rev. C. DeWayne Hollins opened the convocation with prayer, Brianna Stewart, GSU’s Miss Senior, offered a warm and friendly welcome to those in attendance.
Jasmine Barnes, a junior vocal performance and theatre major, set the tone of the event with a powerful rendition of “Superwoman” by Alicia Keys. SGA Vice President Jasmine Holmes, who enthusiastically introduced Miss MC Lyte, followed Barnes’ powerful performance.
Beginning with the connotation of the word ‘woman’, Lyte kicked off her speech with uplifting words that probably moved every woman in the room. Although she did not actually use the terms, her speech was about manifesting the things we really want in life, the law of attraction, and the power of the mind. She encouraged students to begin to think optimistically and to keep pursuing their dreams no matter how illustrious they may be.
Lyte made headway in 1988 when she released her debut album, Lyte As A Rock. She was the first female rapper to ever release a full album in the history of hip-hop music. Lyte, who had been rapping since the tender age of 13, has made many accomplishments over the years. Other than paving the way for other female lyricists, the hip-hop pioneer is an activist in the community.
Of the attendees, GSU’s Miss Sophomore, Noelle Barnes was particularly moved by the icon’s speech.
“The message I received from the lyceum was to never limit yourself because you never know how much power you have until you actually try to do something,” said Barnes, a junior early education major from San Bernardino, California.
Jeffery Harris, a member of United Afrikan American Men, Inc., was also inspired by the lyricist.
“It gave me confirmation that things cannot be done without God. If you can envision your future, that is God saying that he has placed it there for you, you just have to work for it.” Harris is a native of Houston, Texas, majoring in biology.
She left students and guests with this food for thought: “Be UNSTOPPABLE . . . You must be the change you want to see . . . You do not fail until you quit . . .”