Rap performer Chuck D, a member of the group Public Enemy, and Nation of Islam Representative Conrad Muhammad last night discussed the need for Blacks to take leadership roles and explore their own culture and history.

The two addressed a crowd of approximately 400 in Sanders Theatre for nearly four hours and took questions from the audience. The speeches were sponsored by the Black Students Association.

Chuck D said the media often tries to destroy Black heroes and role models in the eyes of the public.

He cited boxing champion Mike Tyson, former Washington, D.C. mayor Marion Barry, and Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas as examples.

"In Indianapolis [the site of Tyson's recent rape trial] it was 'We're going to hang this nigger right here,'" he said. "It wasn't concern for the lady because they didn't even know who she was then."

He later said that if Tyson was guilty of rape he was "wrong" and he's "serving his punishment."

Discusses Controversy

The rapper briefly discussed the titles of each of his albums and spoke about the recent controversy over the new Public Enemy video "By the Time I Get to Arizona." The new video shows the group attacking politicians who have refused to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

"It was my viewpoint on how I thought Arizona was fucked up as a Black person," he said.

Chuck D said he plans to call his next album "Hitler Day" because "if we have Columbus Day, we might as well have Hitler Day."

"Philosophies are always going to be different for different people," he said, "but they've got to be respectful."

The rap performer also said that ,violence was sometimes necessary in thestruggle for Black rights.

"It's cool having leaders who like nonviolence,but they've got to have some back," he said.

Speaking about presidential candidate andformer Klu Klux Klan leader David Duke, he said,"at least he says those things Bush is trying tohide... If you're really mad, just shoot [Duke]."

Nation of Islam student representative ConradMuhammad spoke on the responsibility of "the newgeneration" to "advance the cause of Blackpeople."

Muhammad discussed the "natural righteousness"of Black men and women and the evil of the UnitedStates.