Tufts University’s Russell Lecture on Spiritual Life presents Tisch College Artist/Scholar-in-Residence Dee-1 speaking on the topic, “My Joy Is My Weapon: Lyrics, Prayer, and Spiritual Repair.” Dee-1 began rapping and performing publicly while in college at Louisiana State University. After graduating from LSU in 2008, he taught middle school math in Baton Rouge. After two years of teaching, he pivoted to focus exclusively on his music career. In 2010, Dee-1 was named Artist of the Year at the NOLA Underground Hip Hop Awards. Dee-1 is the recipient of the 2020 NAACP “Power of Influence Award,” highlighting his activism and commitment to inspiring youth. In 2023, he was appointed the Nasir Jones Hip-Hop Fellow at Harvard University.

Free admission and open to the public. Register to attend in person or to watch via Zoom through the University Chaplaincy’s event web page.

The Russell Lectureship is the oldest lectureship at Tufts, established by James Russell of West Cambridge (now Arlington) in 1867. In accordance with the provisions of the donor’s will, each year the university invites a distinguished lecturer to speak on a topic relating to spiritual life.