Dr. Angela Failler, associate professor and department chair of women’s and gender studies, Ani DiFranco, and Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Winnipeg. (HANDOUT)
Renowned singer-songwriter and performer Ani DiFranco received an Honorary Doctorate of Letters on Friday at the University of Winnipeg.
DiFranco helped pioneer the independent music movement and has had a profound impact on the folk music community, including in Winnipeg. Feminist activists recognize her as a cultural icon for her unflinching critiques — expressed in song — of sexism, heterosexism, racism, and class-based discrimination.
DiFranco was honoured again Friday evening when she receives the Winnipeg Folk Festival’s 2013 Artistic Achievement Award at the Folk Festival in the City gala fundraiser.
Updated at 11:45 p.m.
