Moore said that he did not think there would be any “political problems” with Monáe’s visit to Harvard, in contrast to the student and administrative protest following last year’s selection of the rapper Tyga to headline Yardfest.
Though Monáe’s recognition on campus occurs only a few weeks after campaigns such as “I, Too, Am Harvard” made national headlines and administrators spoke in favor of institutional support for minority groups, Moore said that it is just a “fortunate coincidence” that Monáe fit into the ongoing narrative about race on campus.
“These campaigns are relatively new or have just come to light,” Moore said. “Coordination with Janelle has been going on for a long time.”
Both groups will recognize Monáe on April 14, the day after Yardfest. In the early afternoon, the Women’s Center will host a student conversation with Monáe in Fong Auditorium on gender and music, which will be followed by a presentation of Monáe’s award. In the evening, she will serve as keynote speaker at the 20th annual Celebration of Black Women Gala hosted by the Black Men’s Forum.
—Staff writer Quynh-Nhu Le can be reached at quynhnhule@thecrimson.com.
—Staff Writer Joanna R. Schacter can be reached at joanna.schacter@thecrimson.com. Follow her on Twitter @JoannaSchacter.