TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Chuck D., former leader and co-founder of the 1980s rap group Public Enemy, will speak at The University of Alabama on Tuesday, Feb. 17, at 7 p.m. in the Moody Music Concert Hall.

Admission to the event is free and open to the public. Chuck D’s talk is part of African-American Heritage Month events held on the UA campus. He will speak on issues including race, rap, rage, reality and inequality.

In 1997, Public Enemy’s debut album, “Yo Bum Rush The Show,” was named one of the 25 Most Significant Albums of the Last Century. In 2003, Chuck D. was presented with the Rock The Nation Award at the 10th Annual Rock The Vote Patrick Lippert Awards. The latter award honors recording artists who help create political and social change.

He has hosted his own segment on the Fox News Channel and published a best-selling autobiography, “Fight The Power.” He served as national spokesperson for Rock The Vote, the National Urban League, the National Alliance of African-American Athletes and appeared in public service announcements for HBO's campaign for national peace and the Partnership for the Drug Free America.

Most recently, the media has anointed Chuck as the spokesperson and major proponent of music on the Internet. In September 1999, he launched a multi-format "supersite" on the web, www.Rapstation.com. A home for the global Hip Hop community, the site boasts a TV and radio station with original programming.

For more information, contact Michael Parke Miller at 205/348-7525 or go to up.ua.edu.