The Impact Movement, a campus Christian organization, hosted a Christian hip-hop concert called “Live Free or Die Hard” on November 7, which encompassed a variety of artists who performed and tore the roof off. The meaning behind the name for the concert, Live Free or Die Hard, comes from 1 Peter 2:16 which says, “As free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.” This free Christian hip-hop concert consisted of a variety of local artists as well as some from out of state. Not only did they have artists performing some of their original songs, but they had individuals such as Blake Burnette and Isaac who did spoken word. The Fam, Divine Unity, and Evident Shift are all Christian hip-hop groups that performed and moved the crowd with their up-tempo beats and free flowing lyrics. Danna Bradley, a junior in biological sciences, was the host of this event. She informed the crowd from the beginning of the concert of the one rule that was in place; “you gotta stay hype the whole night,” no matter what. This was an easy task considering the level of intensity that filled the Bragaw Activity Room throughout the night.

As the night progressed, the lounge began to overflow with people inside and bystanders that just ventured in to partake in the hip-hop concert. There were people standing outside who said they could hear the music from there and enjoyed listening to it from afar. The concert lasted for hours until the organization was literally told to end it. This concert was proof that there are faithful Christians on campus who are dedicated to spreading the word of God through song and praise.

The Impact Movement’s mission and vision is rooted in Matthew 28: 19-20, which states, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” They truly live up to the duties and teaching the word of God. Their vision is to “see the African American community fulfill its destiny as a reflection of the redemptive power of Jesus Christ.” The Impact Movement’s goal is to promote African-American leadership within the campus, in the community, and all over the world, and spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to all nations. They target the African-American student population; however, they are not exclusively comprised of African-Americans and are open to all others ethnicities and nationalities. The organization’s main focus is to make sure people are “aware of who Jesus Christ is and how we all can have a personal relationship with Him.” Not only do they want to ensure that people become closer to Christ, they also try to create a sense of unity and openness, where they can enjoy themselves, while “giving honor and glory to God.”