This afternoon we made our regularly scheduled fuel stop and while we were there our bus obviously caused a reaction from all those around. A large group of homeless men who just came out of the voting booths were energetic about sharing their stories. The average American who is afforded at least the simple pleasures in life often feels disenfranchised daily by the state of our country. To imagine the experience of not having a home and the enjoyment of all those blessings that we take for granted if mind blowing. Dean the gentleman who was the spokes person for the group gave detailed reasoning about why he was obligated to vote and how exactly the current situation in the United States of America is affecting him personally.

NC A&T opened their classroom doors and allowed us to share the importance of the “Respect My Vote” Campaign. Our guide for the day was an alumni gentleman by the name of TC; he set the tone for the day by telling the students “don’t disrespect yourself by disrespecting your opportunity”. Each college campus we have visited makes it so convenient for students to vote they provide all the pieces of the process, the only thing they don’t do is cast the ballot for them.

In Mr. Byron Turman’s Hip Hop Discourse class a gentleman by the name of Jonathan chose to get involved in the political process because he feels that by being apart of this monumental time he is also honoring our black pioneers. When I spoke to Mr. Turman regarding his decision to bring Reverend Yearwood to his classroom he explained how Barack Obama has energized young voters, but he doesn’t want their political excitement to end after November 4.The Hip Hop Caucus is exactly the type of organization he wants to expose his students to with the hopes that they will stay involved. The message that he often conveys to his students is “close your eyes and look at your ancestors, imagine them not having the chance to be heard. They were beaten absurdly…we stand on their shoulders so we owe them.

A few students questioned the intensity of involvement that they could contribute to a cause if they are in school and working part time jobs. Rev. responded quickly and with zeal informing people “if you don’t do politics, politics will do you”. We all make time for things that are important to us so we must also approach our political process with the same amount of enthusiasm. Getting involved in a cause will make you a sharper individual, so grind and find time!

Yesterday we were on the campus of Hampton University providing information so that students can be strength and empowerment regarding the political process. Not only did we assemble our team to take on the task of encouraging students to make it to the polls and stay politically active , but Atlantic Records also presented a few celebrity guests who performed outside of our bus in efforts of exciting the student body to embrace the message of the “Respect My Vote” campaign. Maino and Young Steff performed and signed autographs while other artists such as Charles Hamilton and Rock City were apart of the homecoming excitement as well.

Many students on the Hampton University campus were eager to learn more information regarding the Hip Hop caucus and the year round initiatives that are in place to bridge the gap between the Hip Hop community and the political process. The majority of students that I spoke with were all first time voters and even those who may be voting veterans all seem to have a common theme that if you want things to change you must do your part. The most pressing issues facing the Hampton University student body are no different then those we may hear our elders speaking of. Gas prices, healthcare, tuition loans are all very serious concerns that the Hampton community would like to see the next president of the United States reform.

Plan 9 record store in Charlottesville, Virginia hosted an album signing with TI yesterday afternoon. It was rainy and crowded but TI fans paid no attention to the weather and the wait, as they stood outside and rapped along to all of TI hits.

This was absolutely one of the most energetic crowds to date. TI’s newest release “Paper Trail” was flying off the shelves, “Respect My Vote” t-shirts were selling just as quickly. The fans showed their support by being patient and supporting the campaign to the fullest.

The “Respect My Vote” tour bus stopped at Norfolk State and participated in the 2008 homecoming parade. The streets were crowded with cheering alumni, students and other community members that came out for the festivities.

Kids went crazy once it was announced that TI would be performing at Roxborough High School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Prior to even hitting the stage rumors were in full effect that the King of The South would be in the building.

Once he hit the stage there were no empty seats! Cameras were flashing, girls were screaming and all of the latest dance moves were on display in the auditorium. After the roars of the crowd calmed down TI encouraged the senior class of Roxborough High School by telling them to get involved! He opened the floor for questions, and stressed the need to be Patient while at the polls. The lines are expected to be very long so you must be Persistent and don’t allow any confusion to deter you from casting your ballot. In concluding his speech TI challenged the students to prove those wrong who claim that young people don’t vote!

After being asked multiple times what candidate he endorsed TI made it a point to stress to the students that their voting decisions should be solely based on there needs because if your casting your vote based on the decision of your favorite celebrity then you are doing yourself a disservice. The issues that face people are very different and you must be sure to choose the candidate that will impact your needs in a positive manner.

The surprise TI visit concluded by a young lady by the name of Shayna Safford sharing a poem she wrote for TI. She was not scared to share her poetry with all those in attendance and she informed me that this poem is something she always keeps with her. What a lucky girl she is to have had the opportunity to share it with TI.

After our long day of verifying voter information and motivating communities, we had definitely worked up an appetite so the “Respect My Vote” team headed over to Richmond historical restaurant The Croakers Spot. As soon as we entered the restaurant you could feel a warm at home vibe. Huge personalities and the aroma of a hearty meal made all of us smile as we quickly were seated and contemplated over the menu options.

While waiting the arrival of our meals there was a table of distinguished African- American elders that were very intriguing. I over heard them applauding us for our “Respect My Vote” campaign as they reminisced on events from their earlier days when they blazed a trail. There was no way I could turn away an opportunity to speak with this bunch, but how would I approach them while they were enjoying their meal? After the gentleman of the group whose name I later found out to be Mr. Linwood Young, approached our table and said, “Finish what we started” I just had too jump up and strike up a conversation.

The amount of injustice that I had seen in regards to voters earlier that day had already sparked the fuel to my fire. I was honored that someone who had done such a major work in the improvement of the black community would feel that I in addition to the “Respect My Vote” team were worth passing the torch too! Mr. Young spoke of how he and his team started the largest NAACP membership drive in Portland Maine in 1963. One of the most amazing accomplishments that Mr. Young is credited with is bringing Martin Luther King to St. Francis College. Other things on his resume of freedom fighting include his drive and passion for equality. Mr. Linwood Young was the first African-American gentleman to be hired by IBM, which then opened the gateways, allowing other people of color to follow. Based on the efforts of this outstanding individual numerous amounts of state legislation were changed.

Each day of the tour I continue to encounter eye opening and life changing experiences. Not only is my mission to serve communities and provide assistance regarding political involvement, but the people I meet at each stop on the tour are also teaching me so many awesome things.

My heart was deeply saddened; as I had to stare people in the face and tell them they were not registered to vote. Hip Hop Caucus teamed up with local radio station IPower92 to hit up shopping centers and restaurants in the Richmond Virginia community. My challenge for today was to check on voter status information by verifying registered voters and finding voting locations for community members.

The common assumption is that young people are not involved or aware of the process but in this urban community I found it to be that parents and grandparents were misinformed and not registered! For varied reasons some people will not be able to cast their votes this coming November. Some people clearly were not proactive enough to submit their documentation in a timely manner, while some just made the deadline to cast an absentee vote.

The most alarming and unfortunate case that I encountered today were those individuals who went through the appropriate channels such as the DMV or community voter drives, but their information was never submitted to the board of elections. People have fought and died for the opportunity to be heard and these individuals will not have a chance to voice their opinions during one of the most crucial times in history. If my heart was broken each time I said “NO you are NOT registered” imagine the feeling of a mother who properly registered at the DMV to be told that she will not be apart of making a change this political process. She will NOT be heard regarding her stance on American Healthcare…she has NO say in choosing the candidate that will implement programs that could possibly save her home from being foreclosed…oh and as far as her demanding higher wages, or better teachers and programs in her child’s school…she now has NO say! Now I don’t have a bleeding for those who are careless, but it hurts to see community members who want to make a change, but are silenced by injustice.

If you are registered you owe it to yourself and many others to demonstrate your right. Cast your vote and make sure all those you are in contact with do the same. My final note is that you PLEASE combat injustices don’t stop acting after November 4, 2008 passes, continue to involve yourself and push for reform.

First stop on today’s tour was at the University of Cincinnati!

We teamed up with WIZF and local artist Khadijah to generate a buzz around campus.

Reverend Yearwood and Tom Joyner

Once on campus I met Terrance a member of Kappa Alpha Psi who is a first time voter that felt empowered to support the “Respect My Vote” campaign because of the political concern paired with music he can relate too. Terrance went on to say “the Hip Hop Caucus is a in your face way to get involved unlike more traditional campaigns”.

Not only has his organization spearheaded voter registration drives on campus they are also going to keep the momentum going past the election date by hosting a forum with varied speakers including professors who will help guide students while they discuss topics they face, and try to gain a better understanding of the issues.

Next up Ohio State was SO excited to join in on the “Respect My Vote” movement. As soon as the bus pulled up volunteers were extremely eager to start providing their services. A number of NPHC Greek organizations and other concerned students helped to organize this stop on today’s tour. Larry a member of Phi Beta Sigma offered his support because he appreciates the opportunity to get involved with the issues especially when an event so powerful is geared directly to our age group.

Angela, President of the Alpha Kappa Alpha chapter at Ohio State is a first time voter that is using her leadership position to motivate her peers to engage in voter registration and even going into neighborhoods and knocking on doors. When asked what she thought about the Hip Hop Caucus and their crusade to bridge the gap between politics and the people she said “ The Hip Hop Caucus is a real organization that comes to where you are and encourages you to vote unlike other initiatives that don’t cater to this niche of young voters”.

A highlight of everyone’s day was a 14-year-old boy named Tony who was so excited to see the “Respect My Vote” tour bus! Tony heard the music and began entertaining the crowd with his dance moves. I can’t even do his dance moves justice by writing about them; be sure to check the blog later today for video of his performance.

You never know what is going to happen on the campaign trail so be sure to check back daily for updates!

Hello to all of my politically inclined hip hopers!

If you’re not as involved as you would like to be in the political process, just stay tuned to the journey of the “Respect My Vote” campaign.

We will definitely fill in the gaps for you!

Monday night we went out on a motivational crusade with the purpose of impacting the political viewpoints of our young voters in the DC area. The bus parked in front of the 9:30 club and the coalition began. Once Dj Mo Beatz set up his equipment and started dropping the tunes the streets were covered with “Respect My Vote” posters and t-shirts the campaign was an instant political party, fueled by good music and political passion.

The mission of the Hip Hop Caucus is not just to get you to the polls, but to bridge the political disconnect between the Hip Hop community and the hill.

With the support of volunteers and community members we were able to sign up over 200 new community members

The Hip Hop Caucus has always seen the Hip Hop Generation, those born after 1964, as representative of what we like to call the “Dream Generation,” or the generation Dr. King prophesized, in which all people regardless of race, economic level, religion, or sexual preference, stood together to stand for Justice and Peace.

Throughout the world we find young people from diverse backgrounds who identify with Hip Hop culture and have similar local-to-global issues yet feel alienated or disenfranchised by political systems who do not address their issues.

Education is literally the difference between surviving and thriving for working class Americans. Congress’ adoption today of the College Cost Reduction and Access Act will ensure that access to education is a reality for all,” remarked Congresswoman Carolyn C. Kilpatrick (D-MI), Chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) on today’s passage of the College Cost Reduction and Access Act. The CBC joined an overwhelming bipartisan majority in the House of Representatives to approve final legislation that expands access to college to working families and the disabled, makes textbooks more affordable, and increases college aid to veterans and their families. It will also simplify the federal student aid application process.