Today (Jan 30), MTV’s 24-hour college-themed channel, mtvU, announced a new campaign led by students who wish to highlight the atrocities of human and labor trafficking. The “mtvU Against Our Will” campaign enlists Brooklyn rap veteran Talib Kweli and others to promote the accompanying interactive video experience known as “The Backstory.”
“The Backstory” spotlights the emotional stories of human trafficking victims in an incredibly powerful way, revealing how young people can be coerced into s-x and labor trafficking,” said Stephen Friedman, President of MTV, via press release. “We’re proud to partner with these incredibly bright students to shatter misconceptions about trafficking victims, and to illuminate ways we can all help end modern day slavery.”
Joining Kweli, who serves as a narrator, is Neptunes affiliate and music composer Kenna, along with a performance from the Ailey II dancers featuring the choreography of artistic director Troy Powell. “The Backstory” experience includes a series of clickable ad links that reveal wrenching tales of human trafficking. Facebook users who join their accounts with the site will get even more features along with ways they can aid mtvU’s cause.
Talib Kweli recently announced that his upcoming fifth studio album Prisoner Of Conscious will see an April 23 release. The Black Star rapper is also kicking off a North American tour starting February 8 in Michigan before concluding in Chicago in April.
Check the full schedule of Talib Kweli’s tour, below and the “Against Our Will Spot,” below.
Feb 8th Grand Rapids, MI @ The Pyramid Scheme
Feb 9th Detroit, MI @ 2nd Annual Dilla Day Tribute Concert at The Fillmore
Feb 17th Las Vegas, NV @ Bank Nightclub at The Bellagio
Feb 22nd Lawrence, KS @ The Granada
Feb 23rd Denver, CO @ The Summit
Feb 24th Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theatre
Feb 26th Boston, MA @ The Middle East
Feb 27th Providence, RI @ Fete
Feb 28th Portland, ME @ Port City Music Hall
March 1st Chicago, IL @ The Shrine
March 16th Austin, TX @ SXSW
March 7th New York, NY @ The Music of Prince – Carnegie Hall
March 17th Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Bowl
March 18th Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Bowl
March 29th Montreal, Canada @ Club Soda
March 30th San Bernardino, CA @ Paid Dues Festival
March 31st Vancouver, Canada @ Bar None
April 1st Seattle, WA @ The Crocodile
April 2nd Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theatre
April 3rd Arcata, CA @ Arcata Theater
April 4th San Francisco, CA @ Club DNA
April 5th Los Angeles, CA @ The Key Club
April 6th Tempe, AZ @ Club Red
April 7th Santa Ana, CA @ Yost Theater
April 13th Chicago, IL @ Double Door
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Photo: Anna Sian
