Oct. GIP Event: Masauko Chipembere
Masauko Chipembere A fascinating life story. Born in Malawi and raised in Los Angeles after his parents’ exile from Malawi due to their leadership roles in a failed coup against the dictatorial government, Masauko’s social and political messages are conveyed through the art of music. Having had the privilege to listen to Masuoka speak and play his music at Polytechnic’s GiP event last week, I gained fresh perspectives on two painful social issues that are separate yet connected in that they are both forms of oppression and in dire need of correction: racism in America and rape in South Africa. As a first-generation black American whose parents were unfamiliar with racism since it is virtually nonexistent in Malawi, Masuoko conveyed his difficulty growing up without guidance from his parents on this topic. Unlike the majority of his African-American peers whose parents could relate and offer support, Masuoka felt isolated and inadequate in dealing with