Dr. Marco Cervantes teaches in the Mexican American Studies Program at the University of Texas at San Antonio. His research engages critical race theory, decolonial studies, diaspora studies, and hip-hop studies, with a particular emphasis on cultural convergence between African American and Mexican American communities. Cervantes is also a performing artist known as Mexstep, and a founding member of the critically acclaimed hip-hop group Third Root. In his music, he merges scholarship and sound, using hip-hop as a vehicle for political education, cultural memory, and social justice.
In this presentation, Dr. Cervantes will explore examples of Black and Brown musical collaborations in Texas within the genres of soul and hip hop. Through personal narrative and song analysis, he will prove how these collaborations can foster deeper conversations about Black and Brown solidarity and love. While these expressions have not eliminated racism, discrimination, or conflict, they offer glimpses of unity and mutual recognition, and are essential if we hope to build more empathetic and empowered communities.
