509 Hip Hop, DMCs Breakdown, Youth Speaks, Seattle to welcome Afrika
Bambaataa & Rosa Clemente, South African Hip Hop, Laura Piece Kelley,
Rock Steady Anniversary, Dope Emporium and more! Announcements: SAVE
THE DATE! Nov 28th-30th will be Seattle’s very first grassroots Hip
Hop Film Festival. PLUS: Seattle has been announced as the location
for the 2009 Hip Hop Congress National Conference at the end of July,
and the country is watching. Let’s bring thousands and show ‘em what
we’re made of. Be on the lookout for more info on how to get down
soon.-Julie C
Seattle Welcomes Hip Hop’s First Ever VP Candidate
Wanna know why M1 from Dead Prez, Professor Griff of Public Enemy,
Rebel Diaz and NY Oil are voting Green in this year’s presidential
elections? Meet Rosa Clemente. She is undoubtably one of the strongest
voices in today’s growing Hip Hop Movement, and if you didn’t know,
get your facts. The 36-year-old South Bronx native and member of the
Grassroots Malcolm X Movement is an internationally recognized
activist, scholar, organizer and journalist whose known for her
commitment to change from the grassroots. When former Democratic
Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney won the Green Party presidential
nomination earlier this year, it was Rosa Clemente she named as her
running mate. Come November elections, McKinney and Clemente will be
the very first all-women of color presidential ticket in the history
of the United States.
Minneapolis HUD Official Backs Out of Pre RNC Event
Poor People’s Campaign Begins Sit-in at Office
The Poor People’s Economic Human Rights Campaign will begin a sit-in
at 1 PM today, Tuesday, August 26th to tell Minneapolis Housing and
Urban Development Field Director, Dexter
Sydney to keep his promise and attend the PPEHRC’s Pre RNC Event.
Arrests are likely as campaign members refuse to leave office.
Sydney made a written promise on Tuesday, July 15th to attend the
Minnesota Truth Commission. The Truth Commission on August 30th to be
held at the Sabathani Community Center. At the Truth Commission
individuals from throughout Minnesota will present testimony detailing
their experiences of homelessness and in the growing foreclosure
crisis. The commission is occurring as Minnesota officials are trying
to put on its best face as the Republican National Convention enters
town.
When: 1PM Tuesday, August 26th 2008
Where: International Centre
920 Second Avenue South, Suite 1300
Minneapolis, MN 55402-4012
We all seem to be craving this. State Representative Debbie Benefield joined several other speakers and a small but energetic group of students on the Auraria campus to celebrate democracy and to foster civic engagement among Colorado youth. The event was hosted by the Hip Hop Congress of the University of Colorado Denver and organized by their talented president Thomas Evans.
Benefield shared with the group her history of community involvement - the roots of her desire to pursue public office. Some in the audience indicated they hoped to run for office one day. She encouraged these attendees to spend at least 5 years serving the people of their neighborhoods through activities like PTA where they could truly form lifelong relationships. She emphasized that a good representative knows the hearts and minds of his or her constituents and earns their trust through hard work in the community.
Recently Rosa Clemente spoke at the Hip Hop Congress (HHC) National Conference in Biloxi, MS. It was a great speech. It was so genuine and on-point that as I said in a previous posting, it allowed me to recognize that I had been caught up in the Obama hype and hadn’t been paying attention to the real issues that were afflicting me and my people (i.e.: joblessness, foreclosure, extreme gas prices, poor health care access.)
In her address she didn’t just highlight why she accepted the nomination, but she also spoke about how others reacted to her accepting that nomination. She expressed disappointment in the less than enthusiastic response from Hip Hop organizations who would have otherwise embraced her during different times. In fact, at the time of her speech, she stated that HHC and the National Hip Hop Political Convention (NHHPC) were the only two Hip Hop organizations to invite her to speak about her bid for the election.
Anybody who has ever heard Rosa speak knows that she doesn’t mince words, even if what she says might make her own friends or family bristle. She is unapologetic about urgently working towards a freedom that includes everybody. And she is confident that Hip Hop can be and has been that entity to push for lasting social justice and social change.
When she spoke at the NHHPC she again highlighted these points going even further to point out that the panel from which she was speaking only had one female on it, herself. She highlighted this truth as an example as to what is going on as a whole within Hip Hop and the larger social change movement: Our inability to accept female leadership.
Furthermore, she expressed her frustration with the fact that the leadership within the Hip Hop organizational community has failed to embrace the reality that finally there is a political party that not only includes social justice in it’s agenda but walked the walk when they chose Rosa has their VP.
There are key people and factions within Hip Hop who hate when we divide on issues that have public attention. Hip Hop is a diverse democracy. It’s okay for us to have varying opinions. It keeps us honest and uncut.
What if Micheal Eric Dyson had been tapped or Bikari Kitwana? How would have Hip Hop reacted to that?
Sexism within Hip Hop is not a new topic. Male leadership hates to address it on any real level outside of validating its existence and pointing to the larger white hegemony from which we grew out of as though sexism is merely an extension of white supremacy. A total falsehood. Women have been the most oppressed group of people on the face of the planet since the dawn of time spanning all cultures.
Sexism within Hip Hop is so detrimental to our movement that enemy outsiders are able to stifle and discredit our own voices when they point it out. Combating racism and poverty has been major issues that we have tackled. If the larger highly prejudiced American society can ponder the notion of a Black president surely we can begin to search for a way to deal with the idea of a female leader in our movement.
Obama may be the next president to lead the American people. But who is leading Hip Hop?
–
Krista Keating
Executive Administrator, Hip Hop Congress-National
Program Director, The Women’s Project
In a Web ‘EXCLUSIVE’, Afeni Shakur-Davis is interviewed by Robert of ThugLifeArmy.com. Topics range from her son Tupac (2Pac) to the hip hop nation to the Black Panther Party.
Afeni Shakur-Davis, the mother of hip hop icon, social activist, actor and poet Tupac Shakur (2Pac), is a very amazing woman. She takes the legacy of her son very seriously.
Afeni Shakur-Davis is probably the best known ‘Mom’ in hip hop culture. Tupac wrote a song for her, ‘Dear Momma’, to show his appreciation for her, and that song has become a symbol or an anthem for mom’s thru out hip hop culture and beyond.
Tupac aside, the life of Afeni Shakur-Davis is a journey that you can admire and respect. Afeni was born Alice Faye Williams in Lumberton, North Carolina. She is a former Black Panther and was one of the Panther 21. She was acquitted of 156 counts against her and other members of the Black Panther Party during the Panther 21 trial.
PRESS RELEASE by the Worldwide Hip Hop Congress & Olympian “Marilyn King”
Olympian Thinking meets Hip Hop. From Beijing to Oakland, CA
On the heels of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, there’s more going on than just sports and protesting. Two Pentathlon, Olympian, Marilyn King is utilizing this historic moment to deliver the message that everyone can ‘live Olympic.’ “We are going to deliver to young people the tools they need to make their individual and collective dreams come true.” A framework called Olympian Thinking focuses on the three factors present when ordinary people do extraordinary things. Marilyn says every Olympian and all successful people align the power that comes from Passion, the art and science of Vision and a commitment to daily Action.
In training for her third Olympic team, Marilyn was hit by a truck and unable to train physically. Using only mental training techniques for 7 months she placed second at the Olympic trials for the 1980 Moscow games. Marilyn intends to make what she discovered about exceptional human performance available to the young people of her hometown of Oakland, California, and then worldwide through the global Olympian network. “First, we intend to reach the inner city youth using music, and the Internet. Using sports, music, hip hop and online social networking we will deliver the inspiration, hope and tools kids need to succeed.”
Holding true to this concept, Marilyn is teaming with worldwide 501(c) 3 non-profit Hip Hop Congress which houses its national office in San Jose, California. The Hip Hop Congress provides the Hip Hop Generation and the Post Hip Hop Generation with the tools, resources and opportunities to make social, economic and political change on a local, regional and national level. Hip Hop Congress is the product of a merger of artists and students, music and community. HHC achieves this mission in a variety of ways. Marilyn met Oakland Rapper, President of RonDavoux Records and National Outreach Director of HHC, DLabrie through organizers from another Oakland non-profit S.A.V.OY (Stop All Violence On Youth). DLabrie is directing the development of a motivational hip hop song and video titled “Yes I Can”, that will connect with young people who are using Olympian Thinking and positively impact their daily lives and their communities. “Hip Hop Congress is all about building bridges between Hip Hop/Urban Arts, Education and Community Grassroots Action. We are in full support of “Olympian Thinking”, we intend to make this universal and empowering” states DLabrie. DLabrie with input from Melanie DeMore wrote this uplifting song based on Marilyn’s Olympian Thinking framework. The song, which was produced by HHC Artist Allseer aka Am/Fm of the group Wasaname An Nem, includes children chanting “Yes I Can” in the chorus. “Yes I Can” will be available online August 12, 2008 to raise awareness of the full launch of OT in Oakland on September 21, the International Day of Peace. DLabrie is designing the music component to inspire other versions of the message by young people and other established artists. “This will be a worldwide movement, bringing together Artists and Olympians from around the world to deliver the message and the tools young people need.”
Marilyn King will be in Beijing, China from August 12 - 20, 2008
Contacts or Inquiries in Beijing - olympianmk@gmail.com
Contacts and Inquiries about the song “Yes I Can” – olympianthinking@gmail.com
Check out “Yes I Can” Song and Video and get other information on
Marilyn King’s Olympian Thinking on These Websites:
Aug. 30: The 2008 DMC USA Finals
Knitting Factory 74 Leonard St. NYC 10013
(New York City) Hip Hop DJ History will be made on August 30th, 2008! The World’s most legendary and longest running DJ battle, DMC will hold it’s 2008 U.S. Finals from 8pm on at The Knitting Factory 74 Leonard St. New York NY 10013. Not only has DJ Slyce, 1997 DMC U.S. Champion, returned to the battle and taken the East Coast title but this national battle will also feature the youngest DJ to ever compete in any DMC battle, 7 year old DJ A-Kidd. Wait! It gets even crazier… this is the first year ever that a father and son will be the same battle. That’s right DJ J.P. Gunnz, DJ A-Kidd’s dad will also be in the DMC U.S. Finals!
DMC went back to the old school and held it’s traditional East Coast and West Coast finals as opposed to many regionals. The top four DJs from both battles were invited to compete on Saturday, Aug. 30th. DJs from the East Coast include: Champion: DJ Slyce (NJ), Runner Up: Emm Are (CT), DJ Solo (NJ) and DJ Esquire (NY). The top four DJs from the West Coast include: Champion: Mista-B (CA), Runner Up: DJ A-Kidd (WA), Tek Threat (CA) and DJ J.P. Gunnz (WA).
The 2008 DMC U.S. Champion wins a roundtrip flight plus accommodations to compete on Sept. 26 & 27 in The 2008 DMC World Finals in London, England, courtesy of Ortofon. He will also win the Rane TTM 57SL Mixer, courtesy of Rane.
More info on the line up to be announced but in the meantime pick up your $15 advance tickets now not only to support the scene but also…before they sell out!
DJs enter DMC with the dream of having their name listed alongside DMC champs like DJ Craze (3x World Champ: 1998-2000), ie.MERG (04 & 05 World), A-Trak (97 World), Roc Raida (95 World), Qbert, Mix Master Mike & DJ Apollo (1992 World), DJ Cash Money (88 World), DJ Enferno (2003 USA), DJ Klever (2000 - 2001 USA), P-Trix (99 USA), DJ Slyce (97 USA), DJ Swamp (96 USA), DJ Rectangle (93 USA), DJ Aladdin (89 USA) and many more.
Press please contact DMC U.S.A. Event Coordinator: Christie Z-Pabon toolsofwar@gmail.com for more info. Please visit: myspace.com/dmcusa or DMCDJChamps.com
Barack Obama is a civil rights advocate, a regional leader for social justice, a national politician and presidential nominee for the Democratic ticket. He has professed to listening to Jay-Z, has been seen politicking with Ludacris and adopted a theme song penned by Will.I.Am. His relationship to Hip Hop could best be described as “Love-Hate.” He admits he loves Hip Hop buts hates when anybody else sees them together.
I myself have a love-hate relationship with Barack Obama. I love the idea of Obama has President and hate the fact that he is an establishment candidate. I love the fact that conservatives try to label him a “civil rights leader” to scare away potential conservative white voters but I hate the fact that it is perhaps an erroneous label.
I have never heard Obama speak on civil rights issues such as the extreme black and brown incarceration rate, the exploitation of illegal immigrants or the gross misrepresentation of disenfranchised and underrepresented communities in the media. I have never heard him take a stance on reparations.
Obama says that he is vying for the highest office to make a difference in the lives of all United States citizens, which I find to be an honorable and respectable goal. But what has he done for Hip Hop lately or ever to deserve such a dutiful following? Considering the way in which we have supported his efforts, celebrated his victories and endorsed his nomination, you would think that we would have something a little more solid to cite for example as to why our community is so elated to see him in this election.
Even I have admitted and still concede that his candidacy is a ground breaking feat showcasing the immense impact that the Hip Hop generation has had on American hegemony and our social psychology.
He is not a revolutionary and his political record is reflective of that. Cynthia McKinney understands, responds to and addresses our communities issues in a sincere and pro-active manner. She is the best person to represent our culture and we should be 100 enough to state this for the record. Obama and McCain should not be the only choices we consider. In the past we have railed against a two-party system. Every other election we claim to be choosing the lesser of two evils, but this election, we have stayed collectively silent, casting disdain over those who refuse to co-sign Obama’s bid from the gate. I was once guilty of this and am now being received with disappointment and frustration for my change of heart.
I am all for Obama in the White House. But let us keep it real as we claim we do in Hip Hop. Let us say that we are voting for Obama because we have come to accept that America is a two-party system that we have to navigate through in order to create substantial change. And while I find that a sobering reality I am not surprised that the elder statesmen of this culture have succumbed to the very system that they once rocked the mic, b-boyed, bombed and put the needle to the record to rage against.
While the baby booming generation told us to free our minds to multi-culturalism, we did it and like our fathers and mothers we will once again conform in certain ways and watch our children kill themselves trying to fulfill our progressive fantasies. We have planted the seeds for a multi-party political system and for an economic system that is fair and moral, however, as history dictates it will be our children who push through the dirt to see the light of those dreams.
I can accept that reality. It’s a multi-generational truth. But lets just be honest about it.
–
Krista Keating
Executive Administrator, Hip Hop Congress-National
Program Director, The Women’s Project
For Obama, celebrity endorsements can boost or back-fire
By Tamara E. Holmes
August 7, 2008 — With such high-profile hip-hop celebrities as Russell Simmons, Sean Combs, and Jay-Z publicly supporting Sen. Barack Obama, many political watchers and hip-hop activists expect the appeal of a black presidential candidate to inspire a higher-than-average turnout among hip-hop supporters. But while celebrity endorsements can give Obama a boost, they also have the power to hurt him, particularly if a celebrity attracts controversy.
“The hip-hop community can play a huge roll in the 2008 election,” says Shamako Noble, president of the Hip Hop Congress, an organization that encourages social, economic, and political involvement among hip-hop generation youth. “Obviously Barack Obama is the candidate that the hip-hop community and the black community relates to the most,” says Noble. “We’re finding that there are a lot of people who are very excited about the possibility of the senator as a candidate.”
The University of Colorado Denver’s Hip Hop Congress & fellow students will host its Students for Democracy Right Now event on Thursday, August 21st from 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM at the Auraria Campus’ Tivoli Student Union’s Turnhalle. Students for Democracy Right Now is a student organized event that allows students, political grassroots organizations, and elected officials to network, share ideas, and to discuss issues affecting the lives of Americans. The event will provide an opportunity for young voters to actively engage in the political process and to learn how it impacts their lives and their communities. Scheduled keynote speakers are Colorado State Representative Debbie Benefield, Terrance Carroll, and candidate for U.S. Senate, Mark Udall. The event will also feature Hakim Green of the Stop the Violence Movement and Morgan Wells on behalf of Hip Hop, representatives from student organizations, community development organizations and advocates, and a host of vendors and supporters. A wide range of topics will be discussed, including education, community service, and the importance of political participation. Students for Democracy Right Now is open to the public and is open to all ages. There will be opportunities to register to vote and opportunities to learn about various organizations around Colorado. The Tivoli Student Union is located at 900 Auraria Parkway in downtown Denver, CO on the Auraria Campus. ### For additional information and to find out how you or your organization can get involved, contact Thomas Evans at 720-341-7499
