Dr. Jabari Evans is an Assistant Professor of Race and Media at the University of South Carolina in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication (SJMC). His research focuses on the digital subcultures that urban youth and young adults of color develop and inhabit to understand their social environments, identity development and pursue their professional aspirations. He generally explores strategies creative youth use for self-expression on social media platforms as well as other digital media tools and technologies. His forthcoming book project, Hip-Hop Civics (University of Michigan Press, forthcoming) centers on a Hip-Hop Based Education program in Chicago Public Schools and argues for rap song making's utility for fostering connected learning in the formal classroom. Dr. Evans' research has been recognized for awards by the International Communication Association, published in the International Journal of Communication, Journal of Global Hip Hop Studies, Journal for Media Literacy Education. He earned his PhD at Northwestern University's School of Communication. Outside of academia, Dr. Evans has enjoyed a decorated career spanning two decades as a hip-hop performer, songwriter and producer performing and collaborating with Grammy-award winning artists under the moniker of "Naledge" in the rap group Kidz in the Hall.
