Join lecturer and music lover Lambros Fatsis as he presents Policing the Beats: Black Music, Racism and Criminal Justice, an analysis that exposes the racist policing of Black music, and a love letter to Black music in Britain.
The emergence of UK drill music made headline news, portraying it as a criminal enterprise instead of recognising it as an art form. This new rap subgenre, however, is neither the first nor the only Black music to be targeted this way.
Lambros will rewind the tape to demonstrate how music has been used as an instrument for policing Black people, from the era of colonial slavery to the present day, revealing the racist legal processes that make crimes out of rhymes.
Join us for an evening exploring how Black music has been criminalized across generations, why UK drill is the latest chapter in a centuries-long story, and how sounds, songs, and beats function as modes of learning that challenge the structures of empire.
"What a journey this is! This book has empowered me by informing me about an important history that I'm connected to, from my experience of having my lyrics used against me to the work that I do with young people." Roachee, Roll Deep

The ‘stream and book’ package includes a unique ticket for the stream, and a copy of Policing the Beats (RRP £14.99) deliverable to any UK address.
The event will initially be broadcast on 17 March at 6.30pm UK time. It will be available to view up to two weeks after the event has ended and can be accessed Worldwide. If you live in a time zone that does not suit the initial broadcast time you can watch it at any point after the initial showing for two weeks.
If you have any questions, please email [email protected].