WASHINGTON, July 26, 2023— Hip Hop Caucus and The American Bar Association (ABA) today announced a new two-year collaboration commemorating the 50th anniversary of hip-hop and the intersection of social justice. The partnership kicked off with an episode of the ABA’s signature Chair Chat series, hosted by the ABA’s Civil Rights and Social Justice (CRSJ) Section Chair Juan R. Thomas in conversation with Hip Hop Caucus President and CEO, Rev. Lennox Yearwood, Jr. The inaugural 50th anniversary of hip-hop episode covers the history and focus of the Hip Hop Caucus, why the celebration of the 50th anniversary is important, and how and why attorneys are critical in the areas of voting rights restoration, environmental justice, civil and human rights and economic justice.
“It is an honor to partner with the American Bar Association, one of the nation’s leading legal organizations,” said Rev Yearwood. “This is an incredibly significant partnership that has the potential to convene the hip hop, legal and social justice communities for programming and discussions that address existing and emerging civil rights issues.”
“Engaging young people today in our democratic process is invaluable,” said ABA president Deborah Enix-Ross. “The ABA’s collaboration with the Hip Hop Caucus will hopefully spark a greater interest in and understanding of the justice system and everyone’s role in making it stronger and more inclusive.”
During this collaboration there will additional chats, and a four-part webinar series focusing on the broader hip hop culture, movement and impact that will lead to a deeper dive into the impact on issue areas where both the Hip Hop Caucus and the ABA Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice (CRSJ) are focused and aligned. The two organizations will also discuss nuances of where the legal community may be misaligned with Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) communities, and potential strategies for addressing challenges.
“It is fitting that this historic collaboration between ABA’s Section of Civil Rights & Social Justice and the Hip Hop Caucus is occurring at a time when long-standing precedents, and hard fought advances in civil and human rights are being reversed. As we approach the 50th anniversary of hip hop, we must acknowledge the history, relevance and influence of this cultural movement within our civil rights and social justice journey,” said Thomas. “The ABA and Hip Hop Caucus are joining on this journey during this anniversary year and beyond to elevate, inform and engage our legal community on the racial, environmental and economic justice issues within marginalized communities.”
Hip Hop Caucus and The ABA will collaborate on continued programming featuring legal scholars, advocates, thought leaders and activists committed to fighting for social justice, protecting our democracy, and upholding the rule of law. Additionally, The ABA has invited Hip Hop Caucus issue area leaders to participate in their 21 substantive Committee calls to discuss possible ABA policy implementation on aligned issue areas and/or policy development.
About Hip Hop Caucus
Formed in 2004, the Hip Hop Caucus (HHC) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that leverages Hip Hop culture to encourage young people to participate in the democratic process. Through a collaborative leadership network, HHC addresses core issues affecting underserved communities. HHC programs and campaigns support solution-driven community organizing led by today’s young leaders.
About The American Bar Association
The ABA is the largest voluntary association of lawyers in the world. As the national voice of the legal profession, the ABA works to improve the administration of justice, promotes programs that assist lawyers and judges in their work, accredits law schools, provides continuing legal education, and works to build public understanding around the world of the importance of the rule of law.
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