Linda Samai, famously known as Star Zee, expressed her gratitude towards the U.S. Embassy for her recent participation in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) exchange in the United States. The exchange, spanning from April 15 to April 26, 2024, provided her with valuable insights into hip-hop culture and civic engagement.
During her visit, Star Zee shared her journey on Facebook, highlighting significant encounters such as her meeting at the United States Department of State office and her interaction with Rocky Bucano, CEO of the Hip-Hop Museum. She emphasized the importance of hip-hop culture and the IVLP initiative in her post.
Following the completion of the program, Star Zee took to social media to thank the U.S. Embassy in Sierra Leone. Her post reflected on the enriching experience during the “Hip Hop and Civic Engagement” program with International Focus, Inc. in Raleigh, NC. She expressed readiness to apply her newfound knowledge to make a positive impact in Sierra Leone.
Star Zee’s participation in the IVLP exchange aligns with the U.S. Department of State’s Global Music Diplomacy Initiative, which seeks to utilize music to promote peace and cross-cultural connections globally. This initiative convenes participants from 22 countries to explore hip-hop’s role in driving social change and economic development.
Throughout the program, Star Zee and fellow participants engaged in diverse activities across Washington, DC; New York, NY; and Raleigh and Chapel Hill, NC. They delved into topics such as archiving hip-hop history, empowering youth through music and visual arts, and the influence of hip-hop diplomacy.
In Washington, DC, they immersed themselves in U.S. society and culture, attending panel discussions and engaging with representatives from renowned institutions like National Geographic and local arts organisations. They explored how hip-hop culture empowers marginalised voices and fosters community among young people.
