Afro-Italian rapper, artist, activist and author Amir Issaa will provide insight into his music, writing and life experiences as well as his work as a social activist during a visit to Brock Friday, Feb. 3.

The event, Power to the Word — Vivo Per Questo, will include a roundtable discussion about Issaa’s critically acclaimed book, Vivo per questo.

The son of an Egyptian immigrant father and an Italian mother, Issaa was raised in Rome, where he first encountered hip-hop culture in the 1990s. Music became a way for him to share his personal story with a wider audience, and his own childhood difficulties inspired him to help others.

Issaa has also focused his time on anti-racism initiatives, including founding the writing group Potere alle parole (beats and rhymes against discrimination) and working with fellow rap artists to unpack prejudices and stereotypes that lead to discrimination. He collaborates with the non-profit Community of Sant’Egidio and was the spokesperson for Italy’s National Union for Anti-discrimination and Anti-Racism. Issa has also campaigned on behalf of immigrants in Italy through his music and activism.

He is frequently invited to perform around the world, including Japan, Belgium and the U.S.

Hosted by the Department of Modern Languages, Literatures and Culture, the discussion will take place at 11 a.m. in person in TH 256 and will also be livestreamed via Lifesize.