Education is a way out of violence says Laney professor and part-time pop star

RABBI OF RAP is an edgy yet uplifting music video about a girl who is shot on the way to school, but saved when the bullet lodges inside a book she’s carrying.
The project, created by professor Noemi Zeigler Sanchez “Madeline Minx” in collaboration with her students, was inspired by the societal challenges and dangers that many students face as they try to navigate their way to school each day and to a better life. 
“Every American should have the right to an education, but we are losing that right,” said Zeigler, who adds that her students face extreme obstacles to get to school and stay in school — including violence, unemployment, racism, income inequality and insurmountable student loan debt that pushes students out of school and deeper into poverty. 
The Rabbi of Rap is a music video with a clear and powerful message: “Put your guns down, lift your books up, rise up, rise up!”
“Just like my character in the video, I too lost my way…especially in my early 20’s. I was all about keeping it gangsta. After many downs, I’ve come back around and caught my second wind,” said Johny Manibusan, a media student.
It features a project where media students volunteered with the excitement of sharing the artistic skills and talent supporting the message of the music video.
“As an African-American from Oakland, I want better for my people. I want to save my people. But first I gotta save myself. The music has, and always will keep me grounded. With that I could start a career for myself. Through my music I could save people,” said Alviana Johson a media student. Rabbi of Rap will screen at Laney Media Department’s celebration at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 21, at the Laney Theater.
Also, Rabbi of Rap will be released on Youtube.com/MadelineMinx. Zeigler’s previous collaboration with students, music video FEMINEM, was featured on Huffington Post, and is now available on her Youtube channel.”
Zeigler is organizing a video release party in May, centering around the theme of music and education. Email her for more info or to submit your performance/art work: madelineminx(at)gmail.com