Phi Beta Kappa Visiting Scholar delivers lecture on "Hip Hop, Philosophy, and the (Broken) Social Contract"

Rutgers University–New Brunswick Professor Derrick Darby delivers the annual Phi Beta Kappa Visiting Scholar Lecture on Wednesday, Sept. 23. Titled "Hip Hop, Philosophy, and the (Broken) Social Contract,” Darby draws inspiration from legendary hip-hop icons Public Enemy, Queen Latifah, Kendrick Lamar, and others. The event takes place at 7:30 p.m. in McDaniel Hall's Coley Rice Lounge and is free and open to the public.

Derrick Darby delivers McDaniel College's annual Phi Beta Kappa Visiting Scholar Lecture on Wednesday, Sept. 23. Titled “Hip Hop, Philosophy, and the (Broken) Social Contract,” Darby draws inspiration from legendary hip-hop icons Public Enemy, Queen Latifah, Kendrick Lamar, and others. The event takes place at 7:30 p.m. in McDaniel Hall's Coley Rice Lounge and is free and open to the public.

The Henry Rutgers Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at Rutgers University–New Brunswick, Darby bridges academic philosophy with the real world. His work highlights hip-hop as a form of social commentary, legal and political analysis, and profound truth-telling.

Darby is a member of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences and holds degrees from Colgate University and the University of Pittsburgh. He is a dynamic teacher, accomplished scholar, and passionate speaker who has lectured and taught on five continents.

In his TEDx talk, “Doing the Knowledge,” he tells the story of discovering his passion for philosophy growing up in New York City.

His recent books include "Boxed In: Making Identities Safe for Democracy" and "A Realistic Blacktopia: Why We Must Unite to Fight." His life and work have been covered by the Atlantic magazine, CNN, and other news outlets.

The prestigious Phi Beta Kappa national honor society, founded in 1776, is the nation’s oldest academic honor society. McDaniel's Delta of Maryland chapter was established in 1980 and is one of over 290 chapters at colleges and universities in the United States. Email Assistant Professor of Kinesiology Jessica Ford at jford@mcdaniel.edu for more information about the Phi Beta Kappa Visiting Scholar Lecture.

Additional information:

Requests for ASL interpreters are welcome and should be made as soon as possible (two weeks prior to the event preferred) by contacting the specific event organizer.
Other accommodation requests and questions can be directed to Conference Services at 410-857-2407. Visitors are asked to adhere to all health and safety policies and regulations in effect at the time of the event.

Sep 18, 2026