WASHINGTON — Today, Hip Hop Caucus President and CEO Rev Yearwood Jr. issued the
following statement in response to being detained during a driving tour past proposed and
current petrochemical facilities in Saint James Parish in Louisiana:
“On Thursday, August 10, I, along with a group from Hip Hop Caucus, Rise St. James, and the Beyond Petrochemicals campaign were detained initially by a local property owner despite our peaceful attempts to leave the property and then by a Saint James Parish sheriff at the request of that same property owner during a tour of toxic petrochemical facilities along Cancer Alley in Louisiana.
Intimidation practices like these are sadly frequent occurrences for those seeking justice, equity and transparency. The truth is petrochemicals, which come from fossil fuels, are a little-known force behind much of the climate and environmental harm experienced in Black and brown communities.
While we prioritize safety for our team and our partners, we will not let fear from others make us fearful. We are here to support the liberation of our communities, tell the stories of those impacted by injustices, and stop the expansion of petrochemical facilities in the Gulf Coast and beyond. And we will not stop until the work is done.”
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.
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