AUGUST 31 “THIS WEEK IN THE MUSIC OF NONVIOLENT RESISTANCE”

On September 4, 2006, rap duo “Blue Scholars” opened for Kanye West at the Bumbershoot music festival in Seattle, Washington. The duo began in 2002 while Saba Mohajerjasbi and George Quibuyen were students at the University of Washington.

“Blue Scholars” is named after the term “blue collar,” after workers who usually perform manual labor for low wages. The group uses their music as a form of nonviolent protest and anthem, challenging authority and empowering youth. In particular, the group focuses on the Filipino American community, racism, and US imperialism in the Philippines.

For instance, in 2007, one of the members of the group toured to spread awareness about the deaths of innocent civilians in the Philippines.

See their website to learn more.