ITHACA, N.Y. – Ramy Essam, an Egyptian activist and singer who rose to prominence as a “voice of the revolution” through his performances in Tahrir Square in 2011, is in Ithaca for multiple events this week.
Essam will speak with students and the public about his experience as an activist for human rights and free expression. He will lead a conversation at Cornell 2:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 18 in 285 Myron Taylor Hall. Essam will offer a free concert 7 p.m. Monday at Cornell’s Barnes Hall. The performance, called “Voice of a New Generation,” is open to the public. A reception will follow at 8:15 p.m.
At 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, he will participate in a moderated discussion at the Roy H. Park School of Communications at Ithaca College. The sessions will feature a mix of lecture, live music and Q&A.
Essam is internationally renowned for his outspoken music. His song Irhal, which called for the resignation of then-president Hosni Mubarak, is considered the anthem of the 2011 Egyptian revolution.
The Cornell events are presented by the Clark Initiative for Law & Development in the Middle East & North Africa and cosponsored by Cornell Dept. of Near Eastern Studies, Cornell University Comparative Muslim Societies, Cornell Performing & Media Arts – PMA, Ithaca College Park Center for Independent Media, and WRFI Ithaca Community Radio.
The Ithaca College event is hosted by the Park Center for Independent Media in collaboration with The Clark Initiative for Law & Development in the Middle East & North Africa at Cornell.