Wilmington College students have many opportunities to see professional performers and hear presenters with expertise on contemporary topics through ongoing campus programming. Some shows are especially compelling but only a few will be memorable for a lifetime. WC students Garrett Simmons and Ben Dabe believe Grammy Award-winning, hip-hop artist Che “Rhymefest” Smith’s appearance will resonate with the community long after his presentation on Monday (Sept. 30).

“Rhymefest is a talented writer, poet and performer — he’s absolutely phenomenal!” Simmons said, noting the Chicago-based musical artist/ activist offers insight into “bridging the divides” that exist in American society: rural/urban/suburban, red vs. blue, black and white. “Come out for a really good performance, good hip-hop. He will share a message that will enrich your time here at the College.”

Rhymefest will perform as the keynote program in WC’s 34th annual Westheimer Peace Symposium, titled “A Festival of Nonviolence,” at 7 p.m. in Heiland Theatre. The event is free and open to the public. Symposium programming continues on Oct. 1 and 2. See a full schedule and registration details at https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/2024-wps-a-festival-of-nonviolence-3517829.

Dr. Michael Snarr, professor of political science, and Taylor Stuckert, a WC trustee, facilitated the students’ attendance at a conference on bridging the rural/urban divide held earlier this year at the University of Chicago. It featured Rhymefest, along with prominent members of the political and news media establishments who also believe these divides can be bridged. The experience impressed both Simmons, a senior from Frankfort OH, and Dabe, a sophomore from Delaware, OH.

“Rhymefest is from the south side of Chicago, but a lot of things he said spoke to me as someone coming from the small town of Frankfort,” Simmons said.

Dabe also was enthralled by Rhymefest’s presentation and believes persons throughout American society — and the Wilmington College student body — should realize that we all share more similarities than differences. “WC has students from cities, suburbs and a large population of students from rural areas,” he said. “Rhymefest has experience with persons from all these backgrounds and shows we can bridge the perceived divides.

“He is a very unique individual to bring to campus, charismatic with a serious musical and intellectual talent.”

Rhymefest is best known for his work with fellow Chicago rapper Kanye West, with writing credits on his songs. Rhymefest earned five nominations for Grammy Awards, winning in 2005 for Best Rap Song (“Jesus Walks”) and 2016’s Best Song Written for Visual Media (“Glory”).

He will return to campus on Tuesday (Oct. 1) for a Symposium program, “Bridging Divides,” when he joins Rob Mullins as a panelist from 11:20 a.m. to 12:50 p.m., in the McCoy Room in Kelly Center.

Simmons spoke with Rhymefest following the rapper’s Chicago presentation. “A lot of what he said resonated with me,” he added. ”I asked him, ‘How can I bring those conversations back home and bring you into the mix, especially since you don’t look like the people I’m usually around (white, rural America)?’

“He said, ‘Invite me to dinner.’”

Just as simple as that, the invitation was out and WC students played a pivotal role in bringing a Grammy-winning performer to Wilmington College for some serious discussions. Simmons and Dabe encourage the campus and community to participate.

“Catch him while he’s here!” Simmons said.