The John J. Binienda Center for Civic Engagement at Worcester State University has officially launched its inaugural Artist-in-Residence program, naming local music legend Kaz Supernova as its first-ever resident. This milestone signals a new chapter in the university’s commitment to local cultural preservation and civic leadership, kicking off this April with a screening of Wortown Rising—Kaz’s documentary exploring the deep-rooted history and evolution of hip-hop within the city of Worcester.
The program continued its momentum on April 21 with an intimate follow-up session featuring a discussion and clip screening with both Kaz and fellow hip-hop artist Blaze Myllion, who contributed to the film. The event drew a diverse crowd of aspiring creators, including students from Professor Brittany Severance’s Introduction to Video Production course and the Center for Community Media, and participants from the Upward Bound program. For many of the younger attendees, the session offered a rare opportunity to bridge the gap between academic theory and the lived experience of community-based storytelling.
Among those in attendance was Leslie Gonzalez, a junior at Worcester State, who found that the documentary deepened her connection to both her school and her personal interests. “As a hip-hop listener, I really liked seeing the history of the genre alongside the history of where I go to college,” Gonzalez said. “I thought the documentary was very creative, and it was nice to learn more about the background of this community.”
The event also resonated with local high school students participating in the Upward Bound program. For Kendris Figuroa from North High School, the screening provided a fresh perspective on the creative potential inherent in their own city. “Seeing how Kaz and the others used what they had to make something lasting really changed how I think about my own projects,” she said. “It made me realize that you don’t need a big budget to tell a powerful story about where you’re from.”
Another student, Aymon Makroun from Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School, echoed that sentiment, highlighting the importance of intergenerational connection. “Listening to Kaz and Blaze talk about the early days of hip-hop was inspiring,” he said. “It showed us that the music and art we care about today has real roots here, and that we have a role to play in continuing that story.”
Reflecting on the impact of sharing this history with a new generation, Kaz emphasized that the film serves as a bridge to a largely undocumented era. He expressed hope that students would find inspiration in the resourceful, pioneering spirit of early hip-hop, where creativity took precedence over having the perfect resources or high-end gear.
“This film is the unheard voice of the community from the past,” Kaz said after the event. “I hope the students can feel a piece of what it was like to be around at that time and see the purity and consciousness of the movement – taking what you have and doing something with it now, rather than worrying if you have the perfect equipment.”
Megan Moran, director of the Binienda Center, views the establishment of the residency as a vital step for public higher education. She noted that the program is rooted in the belief that artistic expression is inseparable from community service. “I truly believe that artists are civic leaders and changemakers,” Moran said following the April 21 event. “Kaz Supernova’s work with Wortown Rising embodies this premise. You can see the community he documents and builds through this film, using hip-hop as a way of bridging racial divides and bringing harmony to a diverse community.”
In her opening remarks at the initial screening, Moran further emphasized that creating a space for intergenerational dialogue allows Worcester State students and local youth to connect directly with the pioneers of the city’s hip-hop scene. The initiative seeks to use creative expression as a tool for promoting belonging and community impact, while highlighting the film’s ongoing messages of anti-violence and social cohesion.
The residency also highlights Worcester State’s specific place within the city’s cultural timeline. Moran pointed back to a pivotal moment forty years ago when a student-led rap contest organized by what is now the Intercultural Student Alliance helped solidify the university’s role in the local hip-hop movement. Wortown Rising captures that era, serving as a reminder of the enduring influence of student voices and the importance of documenting local memory.
Describing Kaz as a “legend” without whom the story of the early days of hip-hop in Worcester might not be known, Moran celebrated his authenticity and his long-standing commitment to the community. The launch was supported and attended by a broad coalition of campus and city partners, including the Center for Community Media, the Office of Multicultural Affairs, the Urban Studies Club, the YMCA of Central Massachusetts, Upward Bound and the university’s Communication Department, underscoring the collaborative nature of this new artistic residency.