Featured Book at the Multnomah County Library: *Graffiti Grrlz: Performing Feminism in the Hip Hop Diaspora* authored by Jessica Nydia Pabón-Colón

**Highlight of the Multnomah County Library: _Graffiti Grrlz: Performing Feminism in the Hip Hop Diaspora_ by Jessica Nydia Pabón-Colón**

The Multnomah County Library upholds its commitment to introducing readers to impactful and intellectually stimulating literature, and this season’s highlighted title is a remarkable choice. _Graffiti Grrlz: Performing Feminism in the Hip Hop Diaspora_ by Jessica Nydia Pabón-Colón presents a profound and innovative exploration of how women assert feminist identities and narratives within an artistic medium traditionally led by men—graffiti. This vital academic work is essential for anyone interested in the complexities of gender, identity, art, and the global hip-hop scene.

### A New Lens on Graffiti Culture

While graffiti has historically been linked to male artists and a tough, urban aesthetic, Pabón-Colón’s _Graffiti Grrlz_ uncovers the lively and transformative women who are redefining the genre. The author highlights female graffiti artists—referred to as “graffiti grrlz”—who perform feminism through their art, challenging conventional gender roles, space, and expectations in public areas.

Jessica Nydia Pabón-Colón, a scholar specializing in performance studies and Latina feminist theory, employs ethnographic methods, personal interviews, and cultural critique to illustrate how these artists engage in more than mere wall tagging—they perform acts that convey identity, resistance, and empowerment.

### Principal Themes and Revelations

A key theme of the book underscores graffiti as a performative expression rather than just a visual one. By conceptualizing graffiti as “performance,” Pabón-Colón encourages readers to reflect on how female artists leverage style, signature (or tag), site, and community involvement to articulate their feminist beliefs.

The major subjects explored include:
– **Representation and Visibility**: The ways in which graffiti grrlz assert themselves in public art to secure space and visibility within male-dominated realms.
– **Diaspora and Transnational Identities**: The book adopts a global perspective, investigating how women in various nations—including the U.S., Chile, Germany, and South Africa—utilize graffiti to convey localized feminisms shaped by race, ethnicity, and national identity.
– **Intersectionality in Art**: The work highlights how these artists embody intersectional feminism, acknowledging the interplay of their identities as women with race, class, and sexuality in informing their experiences in graffiti circles.
– **Feminist Praxis**: _Graffiti Grrlz_ not only serves as a theoretical inquiry but also celebrates tangible action. These women are proactive; they’re wielding art to demand visibility, pursue justice, and build community.

### The Relevance of This Book Today

In an era when discussions around public art, gender equity, and cultural appropriation are increasingly relevant, _Graffiti Grrlz_ provides a sophisticated and crucial perspective on the dynamics of feminist movements within street culture. The book not only critiques the marginalization of women but also highlights the energy and determination of women establishing their own presence despite that marginalization.

Furthermore, _Graffiti Grrlz_ facilitates the decolonization of hip hop narratives by moving beyond the U.S. focus and showcasing the diversity and creativity inherent in global graffiti practices. It expands our comprehension of who contributes to culture—and why that contribution is significant.

### Available at Multnomah County Library

In alignment with its mission to promote inclusive learning and dialogue, the Multnomah County Library features this title in displays, book clubs, and special events throughout the year. Whether you’re an artist, activist, scholar, or just interested, _Graffiti Grrlz_ provides captivating stories and essential viewpoints that are bound to motivate.

You can find copies of _Graffiti Grrlz: Performing Feminism in the Hip Hop Diaspora_ at various Multnomah County Library branches. E-book and audiobook versions are also accessible via the library’s digital offerings.

### Get Involved in the Dialogue

Readers are encouraged to take part in events and community discussions hosted by the library that focus on the themes from _Graffiti Grrlz_. Please check the library’s event calendar for upcoming workshops, conversations with local graffiti artists, and roundtable dialogues on feminist themes in the arts.

### Concluding Reflections

Jessica Nydia Pabón-Colón’s _Graffiti Grrlz_ is an essential contribution to feminist and hip-hop studies. Through rigorous research and engaging narratives, this work amplifies the voices of women transforming urban art environments and reimagining what it signifies to be a feminist performer within the hip hop diaspora.

Whether you’re eager to enhance your understanding of global feminist movements, gain insights into urban art culture, or simply uncover an important story often missed in mainstream discourse, _Graffiti Grrlz_ is a compelling and timely read, now available at the Multnomah County Library.