Fugees Founder and Social Activist to Meet With Students

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. – Hip-hop legend/actor Pras Michel, a founder of the megagroup The Fugees – and a former Rutgers student – will screen his 2007 documentary, Skid Row. for students and members of the public on Monday, Oct. 13, at 6 p.m. in the Rutgers Student Center Multipurpose Room.

The Grammy-winning Michel went undercover in a 50-square-block area in downtown Los Angeles for nine days in 2006 to explore firsthand what it means to be homeless and hungry

The film, directed by Niva Dorrell, Marshall Tyler and Ross Clarke, puts a human face on a problem that has festered for generations. Michel went on to launch “prAZperity,” a nonprofit organization designed to jumpstart awareness for intractable social problems.

After the screening, Michel and Tony MacLachlan of the New Brunswick nonprofit social service agency Elijah’s Promise will talk with audience members. Their presentation will be followed by a social action fair at which student groups dedicated to eradicating homelessness and hunger will offer literature describing their efforts.

Michel attended Rutgers-Newark from 1990 to 1992. His critically acclaimed group, The Fugees, rose to fame with a repertoire that included elements of soul and Caribbean music. More than 30 million of their albums, “Blunted on Reality” and “The Score,” sold worldwide.

After the group disbanded in 1997, Michel went on to a career in acting and producing.

The Rutgers event is free and open to the public.