Aisha Fukushima of Bellevue, a student at Whitman College, has won a Watson Fellowship. She is one of 40 students in the nation to be selected.

In her proposal, Rhythms, Rhymes, and Raptivism: The Globalization of Hip-Hop Activism, Fukushima plans to focus on ways in which Hip Hop has become a medium for social change in Denmark, India, Morocco, South Africa, Senegal, and the United Kingdom. She plans to explore “raptivism” (rap activism) by observing and participating in the vibrant Hip Hop scenes of each locale.

During her travels, she also plans to record a compilation of songs that reflect the musical styles and the political climate of each country she visits.

Her stipend for the fellowship year is $28,000.