Kanye West brought Sunday Service to Howard University, but not everyone was here for it.
The rapper arrived to one of the country’s most prestigious historically black colleges around 8 a.m. on Saturday during the school’s homecoming weekend. Hundreds of Howard students and alums showed up for the impromptu performance, which was announced on social media Friday night. According to The Washington Post, West performed gospel versions of his popular songs including “Jesus Walks” and “Fade,” along with a few traditional African-American hymns.
“God, reveal the lies, let us stop feeling victimized, show my people the way, show my people how to love, forgive and pray,” West told the crowd, which included his wife Kim Kardashian and children, along with Pusha-T and Terrence J.
DC Howard University ready #SundayService pic.twitter.com/xuEZBZpca1
— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) October 12, 2019
He also addressed the high incarceration rates of African-Americans. “Why lock people up? They need people to make more slaves … I got family locked up!” he said, while someone in the crowd yelled, “We all got family locked up!”
At one point during Saturday’s service, West acknowledged his polarizing views. “You don’t always have to agree with me, but if they throw the slave nets again, how about we don’t all stand in the exact same place?” he said, prompting some laughter.
“Beautiful Morning!” @kanyewest #HUHC19 #HowardHomecoming pic.twitter.com/HCGFaGp9vF
— Howard University (@HowardU) October 12, 2019
.@kanyewest and choir brought “Fade” to the Yard! #HUHC19 #HowardHomecoming pic.twitter.com/dy6P0Pnc2j
— Howard University (@HowardU) October 12, 2019
Performing his timeless classic “Jesus Walks” from his album, The College Dropout, @kanyewest closes out “Sunday Service” for #HowardHomecoming . @PUSHA_T #HUHC19 pic.twitter.com/NqwEJU82mb
— Howard University (@HowardU) October 12, 2019
But not everyone welcomed his Sunday Service. West, who has been a vocal supporter of President Trump and once called slavery a choice, received backlash for his appearance on campus.
“This Kayne [sic] church thing makes me uncomfortable. There, I said it,” tweeted Keneshia Grant, a professor at Howard.
Greg Carr, an associate professor at Howard’s Department of Afro-American Studies, added, “If @kanyewest is indeed at #HowardU this morning, send him to the third floor of Founder’s Library after he’s done. I have some books for him.”
This Kayne church thing makes me uncomfortable. There, I said it.
— Keneshia Grant, Ph.D. (@keneshiagrant) October 12, 2019
If @kanyewest is indeed at #HowardU this morning, send him to the third floor of Founder’s Library after he’s done. I have some books for him.#TheMiseducationOfTheNegro
— Greg Carr (@AfricanaCarr) October 12, 2019
Can’t blame Kanye anymore, he’s shown us who he is. Black people need to stop making space for his anti-Blackness.
— Frederick Joseph (@FredTJoseph) October 12, 2019
Others were more forgiving. “He’s expanding people’s minds, that religion can come in all colors. You come as you are. You don’t have to be perfect,” said Amanda Brundidge, while Teaira Brewer added, “He’s going through something. But he’s trying to say: ‘I haven’t forsaken you.'”
Meanwhile, Ye’s gospel-inspired album Jesus Is King is still awaiting a release date. It was originally due Sept. 27, but he is reportedly still tweaking it.
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