Before his time at Quinnipiac, Acevedo was one of the original members and the drummer for Kool Skool, a group that toured through the southern United States. While traveling with the band, Acevedo learned not only about musical technique, but he also learned about the business of music, the racial inequality in the nation and socioeconomic disparities.

“Being part of an R&B/rap band that was signed to a major record label provided me a kind of ‘real-world’ education and front row seat to the music, the places, and many of the people making this happen at a remarkable time in the history of US popular culture,” said Acevedo.

Incorporating these lessons into his own life and the sociology books he read on the road, Acevedo will be empowering students to explore many social justice issues while also enjoying good music.

“The main idea is to tackle a range of social issues like race, capitalism, misogyny, feminism, and other relevant topics through the lens of this influential art form,” shared Acevedo.

He hopes that students “gain an appreciation of the intersection between social forces like poverty, economic inequality, and the intersectionality of gender and race in U.S. society and how these macro-level social factors are linked to some of the great cultural products that are truly some of the greatest American art forms.”

Acevedo gives immense gratitude to Professor Catherine Solomon and other faculty in the Quinnipiac sociology and anthropology departments for their support. He also recognizes faculty at various universities who have helped shape this course. 

“While I will add my own elements to the course, I do hope to build on the previous work of Professors Sawyer and Hall and others who have taught this important topic before me,” said Acevedo.