Lakota hip-hop artist’s class brings new perspective to WMU students

KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – A Lakota hip-hop artist is bringing a new perspective to Western Michigan University students taking his class called “Indigenous Music, Healing, and Activism.”

Frank Waln is an artist-in-residence and has been part of similar programs at other universities, but never as the teacher.

He says his course is helpful for Native American students along with anyone else.

He says the course looks at music, activism, and healing from a Native American perspective and teaches history and music production.

Waln’s song with Cody Blackbird, “Hear My Cry,” won the Native American Music Awards single of the year in 2013.