Rapper, activist to address students

Chuck D initially found fame as rapper and co-founder of Public Enemy. After the group split in 1995, it was uncertain where he would next launch his talents. That question was soon answered. Since then, Chuck D has been giving lectures at schools, prisons, organizations and arenas.\nHe will visit the Bloomington campus as part of February's Black History Month at 7 p.m. today in Alumni Hall. The lecture is sponsored by Union Board and co-sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Black Student Union.\nSophomore Nick Hillman, Union Board lectures director, said he and his committee have been working diligently on the lecture. He said the committee is responsible for brainstorming possible lecturers, contacting agents and itemizing a budget.\n"It's pretty hectic because we had to basically jump right in," he said. "Chuck D is really busy during February, so we're really fortunate to have him come to IU."\nHillman said Chuck D was a great choice to celebrate Black History Month.\n"We agreed he would be great," he said. "I think he's most appealing to our age group. He's just so smart and we can all relate to him."\nGloria Gibson, associate vice chancellor for multicultural affairs, said her office contacted the board to be a co-sponsor.\n"I was interested in having some input in the speaker that would come for Black History Month," she said. "I really wanted to promote collaborative programming across campus."\nGibson, who heard Chuck D speak at a conference last year, said he offers something for everyone. She said his speech will not be read.\n"He has a very open and fluid presentation style," she said. "He talks about his experiences in the music industry and his experiences as a journalist and social activist."\nThe official Public Enemy Web site announced in January the group might be returning to the music scene. Chuck D has been one of the most vocal recording artists to support Napster and online file sharing. Public Enemy was the first major label band to release an online-only album -- 1999's There's a Poison Goin' On. \nRolling Stone named Public Enemy Best Rap Group in 1991. The group received much recognition for its 1988 It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold us Back and 1990's Fear of a Black Planet albums. Although the group remained together for a few years, Chuck D announced its demise in 1995.\nJunior Vaughn Allen, Union Board president, said he is excited about the speech. \n"I think he's going to have a lot of interesting insights that are particularly vital to students," he said.\nA 30-minute question and answer session will occur after the lecture. \n"Although it's short, at least it's something," Hillman said. "We know people on campus have a bunch of questions for him so we like to allot some time"