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Attention cynics: true music has re-entered the building.

Artists at last night's Fight Apathy Tour in Houston Hall fused hip-hop, rock 'n' roll and spoken-word poetry in order to spread their message. The event -- which promoted HIV/AIDS awareness and social justice -- was sponsored by several student groups in conjunction with the New York City Student Initiative for AIDS.

"It made sense to use hip-hop and spoken word as a medium for students to get involved in fighting the pandemic," said tour Director Melissa Aguirre, who organized the event.

Performers Celena Glenn, Brent Shuttleworth and POSTMidnight covered topics from child abuse to President Bush through freestyle, poetry and song.

Generally, the artists sought to spur students into increased activism through their performances.

"How can we see tomorrow if we can't see today?" sang Shuttleworth as Glenn rapped. "I know our time is borrowed/ Do we fight or run away?"

"Here's an idea that's new," POST said. "Read the rules, then read between the lines/ Be abnormal, vote, change someone's mind/ Redefine sublime/ Challenge authority, bend space and time/ ... Stop waiting for a savior, be your own revolutionary."

After the performances, event organizers arranged a workshop on HIV/AIDS awareness led by the artists. Audience members -- including Penn students and representatives from local organizations -- participated in dialogues on encouraging safe sex and AIDS activism in West Philadelphia.

"The easiest thing you guys can do is talk," POST said. "Communication with people who are at risk, who could be at risk -- it's not just the key to prevention, it's the key to improving personal relationships."

Attendees were also encouraged to participate in the discussion.

"There's people who get [AIDS] and people who don't," said College senior Michelle Chikaonda. "There's a certain sense of invincibility -- it can't happen to me, I'm not an at-risk person."

Event organizer and first-year Penn medical student Eric Cioe was hopeful about the future.

"Penn needs someone who can lead, and I feel the students who were here today can lead the change," he said.

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