Actor Daniel Croix, Hip-Hop Artist Bennie the Butcher to Host Black History Event

Bennie the Butcher

Canisius University presents a Black history event on Friday, March 22, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. in Zion Dominion Global Ministries, 895 North Forest Road in Amherst. The program, sponsored by the university’s Academic Talent Search (ATS) Program, is free and open to the public. Special guests include actor Daniel Croix and Hip-Hop artist Bennie the Butcher.

Croix is an actor in film and television. Active internationally, he is best known for starring in “The Oval” (BET Network; Director, Tyler Perry), and for performances in “Love Victor” (Hulu), “Much Ado” (Shakespeare in the Park NYC), and “Manhunt” (Apple TV+). Croix has performed in over 40 plays, Off-Broadway in New York and with regional theaters across the United States.

He is also a director and an artist. His first short film as a writer/director “Huli” premieres in international film festivals in 2024. His work as a contemporary artist appears in selected group exhibitions: Plimsoll Gallery, Interfacial Intimacies, Burchfield Penney Art Center, Squeaky Wheel Media Arts Center Retrospective, Hallwalls Contemporary Art Center, Our Time.

In 2023 he founded Ringshout Productions, a creative home for original films. He also founded the Lorna Hill Artist Fellowship, a mentorship program for early career artists.

From Buffalo, Croix attended the Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts. He holds a BFA in acting from the SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Theatre Arts.

Daniel Croix

Jeremie Pennick, known professionally as Benny the Butcher, or simply Benny, is an Emmy Award winning rapper and songwriter currently signed to Def Jam Records. He came to prominence in 2018 following the release of his debut album, Tana Talk 3. Along with his cousins and fellow rappers Westside Gunn and Conway The Machine, with which he forms the collective Griselda, he is known for his 90’s inspired rap songs and is often credited with leading a revival of so-called ‘gritty’ hip hop music.

Benny’s music often centers on his experiences growing up on the East Side of Buffalo, and the obstacles and experiences he encountered. He has been praised by peers and critics for his storytelling and choice of sound. In addition to his music ventures, he has started his own sports agency, and has starred in the movie “Conflicted,” and the upcoming movie “Family Before Everything.”

Throughout the day, ATS will host workshops and informational stations set up from various community organizations. Topics will include educational and career opportunities, financial literacy and mental health.

For more information, contact the Academic Talent Search Program at Canisius University at canisiustalentsearch@gmail.com.