Kareem Watts, EdD, presented his arts-based research on hip-hop pedagogy and Black college student success at the 25th International Conference on Diversity in Organizations, Communities & Nations at the University of Nicosia (UNIC) in Cyprus.
Watt’s presentation, “Cultural Expression as a Pathway to Belonging: Exploring Identity and Success,” highlighted how hip hop pedagogy (HHP) fosters a sense of belonging and supports academic achievement for historically underrepresented students. He shared findings from his study of how Black and African American professors who use his hip-hop approach to engage students and apply culturally responsive teaching practices.
His research blends narrative inquiry, arts-based research and a/r/tography to document faculty experiences. A key theme from Watts' research study, “Passion for Non-traditional Cultural Learning,” emphasizes bringing academia to hip hop culture, rather than forcing hip-hop to conform to institutional norms and the elitism of higher education.
Conference attendees were especially engaged as Watts performed “Flo-etic” data poems inspired by his professor-participants. He also shared selections from his dissertation album, “Flo-etic Storytelling Mixtape Ch. 5,” available on SoundCloud.
Watts’ creative approach demonstrates how hip-hop culture can drive positive change and enhance student success in higher education.