---

FRANKFORT — Hip-hop artist and social activist Devine Carama visited Kentucky State University (KSU) to share his knowledge on the power of words as part of the Poetry Month Convocation on April 20 in Bradford Hall Auditorium.  Carama’s thoughtful poetry and oftentimes funny, personal stories capped off KSU’s convocation series.

Born Richard Spaulding,  Devine Carama has worked with and opened up for artists such as Nappy Roots, LL Cool J, Allen Poe, Canibus, De La Soul, J. Cole and Little Brother.  Major music publications such as The Source, Vibe, and Complex magazines have all covered his music.  The Lexington native is also the director of a Kentucky-based nonprofit organization for kids called Believing in Forever, Inc., and he is the Youth Services Coordinator for Community Action Council.

Carama addressed the audience with powerful spoken word and rap. Afterward, he spent the rest of his time on stage elaborating on how powerful words are and the effect they can have on society. He also motivated the KSU audience to find something they believe in and think about what legacy they would leave behind. In doing this, he discussed using hip-hop and social media as powerful tools to uplift the community instead of for our own selfish reasons.

“God didn’t create you to limit your leadership,” he said. “Everybody in this room has the ability to be a leader and inspire people all over the world.”

— Shantel Booth