Author: Hip Hop Caucus

WASHINGTON — Today, Hip Hop Caucus’ Senior Director of Campaigns and Advocacy Russell Armstrong issued the following statement in response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s final rule that will significantly reduce toxic air pollution from chemical plants, including ethylene oxide and chloroprene:

“”The Environmental Protection Agency’s long-awaited signing of rules to reduce toxic air pollution from chemical plants is worthy of their namesake. By targeting pollution from both ethylene oxide (EtO) and chloroprene, the EPA can significantly increase quality of life for people living near these plants, which are disproportionately located in frontline communities in Texas and Louisiana. Both chemicals lead to numerous adverse health conditions including cancer in small doses, especially to children.

This rule could be used to force chronic polluters such as the Denka (formerly Dupont) plant in St. John the Baptist parish to make significant changes or close for endangering lives. This plant, one of the only places that makes neoprene in the country, is located near a predominantly Black elementary school where children are exposed to nearly 400 times what is considered safe. Cutting these emissions will save lives and limit cancer rates while addressing environmental racism.

This is another good move by the Administration for environmental justice communities in a string of recent rules. We look forward to seeing more and working together on behalf of the people.”

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Podcast will explore urban greening, artivism, the evolution of slave plantations to petrochemical hubs in Louisiana’s Cancer Alley, and will feature interviews from artists, legislators, activists, and more

LOS ANGELES – Hip Hop Caucus’ award-winning climate and environmental justice podcast ‘The Coolest Show’ launches season six today on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Hosted by Hip Hop Caucus President and CEO and climate justice leader Rev Lennox Yearwood Jr., the podcast connects the climate crisis to Black culture through solution-based conversations that reimagine a world where we all thrive. Each episode covers a different topic with featured experts, creatives, political leaders and activists that inform communities on the impacts of the climate crisis and how to address them with a racial justice framework. 

To kick off Earth Month, the season six premiere features a conversation with The Coolest Show host Rev Yearwood Jr. and the Founder and Executive Director of Great Plains Action Society Sikowis Nobiss. In this episode, they discuss the layers of Indigenous identity, the pollution that’s changing the Mississippi River, and the resulting impacts on local water supplies in BIPOC communities. Listen to the season premiere here.

“This season, ‘The Coolest Show’ is bringing in new voices, who from varying their perspectives, build on the central idea that climate and environmental justice isn’t achieved without racial justice,” said host of ‘The Coolest Show’ Rev Yearwood. “During this critical election year, we explore the role of artists in the movement, the connections between slavery and environmental degradation in Cancer Alley, and the legislative efforts that aim to roll back climate progress. From across regions and cultures, we are uplifting creative ideas about how we work together to build systems and ways of being that liberate Black, Brown and Indigenous communities and support the well-being of the planet and of us all.” 

With over 200 episodes across five seasons, ‘The Coolest Show’ has reached more than 180,000 listeners. ‘The Coolest Show’ is also a four-time W3 Gold Award winner for Public Service and Activism, and Community (2021-2022). 

In previous seasons, ‘The Coolest’ Show has curated episode series on petrochemicals, transportation justice, the Congressional Black Caucus, and LGBTQ leadership in the climate movement. Previous guests include Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, U.S. Senator Cory Booker, peace advocate Dr. Bernice A. King, actress Regina Hall (Nine Perfect Strangers), actress Alyssa Milano (Charmed) and actor Kendrick Sampson (Insecure). 

The Coolest Show is presented by Hip Hop Caucus’ THINK 100% PODCASTS platform. For more information and full episodes, visit thecoolestshow.com. 

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 Coolest Show

The Coolest Show is a weekly podcast that reimagines how Black, Indigenous, and Brown people thrive in our environment. Now in its fourth season, The Coolest Show brings together brilliant leaders from Black culture, grassroots organizing, and politics to discuss how we fight the racist policies that have led to the climate crisis in our communities. ‘The Coolest Show’ is presented by Hip Hop Caucus’ THINK100% PODCASTS platform. Follow ‘The Coolest Show’ on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @Think100Climate.

In a distressing turn of events, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has signed into law a bill obstructing critical police reform measures inspired by the Death in Custody killing of Tyre Nichols at the hands of five Memphis police officers. This law undermines local autonomy and perpetuates racial inequities within Tennessee’s legislative framework. Governor Lee’s endorsement of this legislation reflects a troubling pattern of systemic injustice, particularly prevalent in the American South, where State lawmakers seek to bind local governments’ abilities to advance reform efforts by silencing voters impacted by police violence. Hip Hop Caucus strongly condemns Governor Lee’s actions and stands in solidarity with communities impacted by this decision. We will continue to monitor the progress of the federal trial of the four remaining officers and will push State and local governments to prioritize policies that promote justice, equity, and empowerment for all.

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WASHINGTON — Today, Hip Hop Caucus’ Senior Director of Campaigns and Advocacy Russell Armstrong issued the following statement in response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s new pollution standards for passenger cars, light-duty trucks and medium-duty vehicles:

“Although it’s not everything we wanted to see to push for a cleaner environment faster, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) final rules to reduce emissions are still a big step in the right direction. In the U.S., transportation accounts for a quarter of the planet warming emissions speeding us past the 1.5 degree threshold established under the Paris Agreement. Cars and light duty trucks are a big part of our transportation sector and so pushing the industry to manufacture more affordable clean cars is a benefit to our communities. However, trucks and heavy industry on highways and ports that cut through Black and Brown communities due to redlining account for just 10 percent of vehicles on the road, yet contribute disproportionately to hazardous air pollutants, including 63% of NOx pollution. 

Estimates show that transitioning to zero-emission trucks could save nearly 67,000 lives and prevent premature deaths and chronic respiratory illnesses, particularly in low-income and redlined communities located near major trucking corridors. Therefore, the Hip Hop Caucus applauds this major step in the right direction despite opposition. We will be watching to see if the Administration continues to push for clean heavy duty trucks too despite opposition from the trucking industry and we will keep fighting against dirty vehicles until there are clean cars for all.”

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Multi-year economic and environmental justice effort aims to strengthen frontline communities and disempower mass incarceration and systemic environmental racism

DALLAS — Hip Hop Caucus is launching a new economic and environmental justice campaign, Bank Black and Green, which encourages Black-owned banks to commit against funding the fossil fuel industry and mass incarceration and deploy capital to frontline communities of color. The Bank Black and Green campaign’s official launch and reception will take place during TD Jakes’ International Leadership Summit on Thursday, March 21 from 5 PM. – 9 PM CT at The Black Academy of Arts and Letters in Dallas, Texas.

The multi-year Bank Black and Green campaign aims to increase economic resources for frontline communities of color and encourages value-based impact investors to shift financial capital to Black-owned banks. The campaign also engages communities served by the Black banks to ensure their preparedness for accessing green capital. 

“It is a privilege to take the #BankBlack movement into its next phase by launching the Bank Black & Green Campaign,” said Stephone Coward II Hip Hop Caucus’ Economic Justice Director and Cofounder of BankBlackUSA. “Economic justice, racial justice, gender justice, climate, and environmental justice are inextricably linked. Our goal is to change banking for good by strengthening the economic power of frontline communities of color and reducing economic disparities while disempowering systems of mass incarceration and environmental pollution.”

In collaboration with the National Bankers Association and the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs, the Bank Black and Green campaign is organizing Black-owned banks in the United States through a pledge to commit to investing in the public health and safety of Black, Brown and Indigenous communities, and to shift millions of dollars of green lending and capital to the communities they serve – which are often first and worst impacted by economic and environmental injustice. 

The Bank Black and Green official launch and reception will feature a conversation with RaShonda Young, CEO of Bank of Jabez and Nicole Elam, President and CEO of the National Bankers Association. The conversation will be moderated by advisor and entrepreneur Aaron Craig Mitchell.

Bank Black and Green is a campaign led by Hip Hop Caucus’ economic justice platform ‘Justice Paid in Full.’ 

For more information about Bank Black and Green, visit www.bankblackandgreen.com. 

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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 Bank Black and Green

Bank Black and Green is a campaign led by Hip Hop Caucus’ economic justice platform ‘Justice Paid in Full.’ It’s a multi-year campaign encouraging Black-owned banks to commit against funding the fossil fuel industry and mass incarceration and deploy capital to frontline communities of color. To increase resources for frontline communities of color, Bank Black and Green also encourages value-based impact investors to shift financial capital to Black-owned banks. Learn more at www.bankblackandgreen.com.

Heman M. Sweatt Award bestowed to committed change agents using their legal acumen for greater good

WASHINGTON – Hip Hop Caucus is proud to celebrate Tanya Clay House, Executive Vice President of Government Affairs and Public Policy, who has been selected as an Heman M. Sweatt Award recipient at the National Bar Association’s 44th Annual Midyear Conference. Tanya Clay House will be honored at the Heman M. Sweatt Awards Luncheon on Friday, March 8, 2024, from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM at the JW Marriott Houston in Houston, TX.

The Heman M. Sweatt Award recognizes outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to the legal profession and social justice advocacy. Tanya Clay House’s tireless dedication to advancing civil rights, promoting equity, and empowering communities has earned her this prestigious recognition.

As a graduate of the University of Texas School of Law, the Heman M. Sweatt Award is particularly heartwarming because Heman Sweatt helped make it possible for me and others that look like me, to not only attend the University of Texas, but many other law schools at that time,” said Tanya Clay House, Executive Vice President, Government Affairs and Public Policy at Hip Hop Caucus. “His seminal Supreme Court case – Sweatt v. Painter – successfully challenged the separate but equal doctrine and was the precursor to Brown v Board. As the daughter of a public school teacher, I have always treasured the importance of a quality public school education and the promise of racial equality in our society. I have worked throughout my career to make this a reality for all children, and now especially my own. This award truly brings me full circle in my work and I sincerely appreciate that the National Bar Association has chosen to honor me at this time in my life.”

Throughout her career, Tanya Clay House has been instrumental in leading initiatives that address critical issues with voting rights and protection, racial justice in education, and criminal justice reform, including her time as a President Obama administration appointee.

“We are thrilled to see Tanya Clay House receive this well-deserved honor from the National Bar Association,” said Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr., President and CEO of Hip Hop Caucus. “Her leadership and advocacy have been integral to our mission of building a more just, equitable and healthy society. This award is a testament to her relentless dedication and impact.”

The National Bar Association’s 44th Annual Midyear Conference brings together legal professionals, scholars, and activists to address pressing issues facing the legal community and society at large. 

Other 2024 Heman M. Sweatt award recipients include Hon. Christian D. Menefee (Harris County Attorney), Hon. Chris Hollins (Controller, City of Houston), Hon. Monique M. Edwards (Commissioner of Conservation, Louisiana Department of Resources), and Antoinette M. Jackson (Principal, The Banks Law Firm, P.A.).

For more information about the National Bar Association’s 44th Annual Midyear Conference and the Heman M. Sweatt Awards Luncheon, visit www.nationalbar.org.

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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.

WASHINGTON — The DC Environmental Film Festival recently announced Hip Hop Caucus’ President and CEO, and host of the award-winning climate justice podcast The Coolest Show, Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr., as the recipient of the Environmental Champion Award for his long-standing environmental and racial justice advocacy.

“It’s an honor to receive this important award at such a crucial time in the fight for climate justice,” said Hip Hop Caucus President and CEO Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr. “Hip Hop Caucus has been at the forefront of the fight for climate and racial justice, from our early days organizing along the Gulf Coast during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, to working with our partners to stand up against Big Oil and protect frontline communities. Our work is far from over, and we’ll never stop advocating on behalf of all people impacted by environmental harm.”

A White House Champion of Change for Climate Leadership and Senior Advisor to Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Beyond Petrochemicals campaign, Rev. Yearwood Jr. has launched innovative, national climate campaigns throughout his career. Under his leadership at Hip Hop Caucus, the Gulf Coast Renewal Campaign advocated for justice in response to Hurricane Katrina and the group’s award-winning activism platform, Think 100%, shifted the narrative around fossil fuels.

The festival’s award celebration will include a screening of Hip Hop Caucus’ upcoming short film “Underwater Project,” narrated by comedian Wanda Sykes. The film underscores the coastal urban flooding in the heart of Virginia’s largest economy, shedding light on the urgent need to address environmental justice issues impacting Black communities and the U.S. Naval base in Norfolk, Virginia. 

Rev. Yearwood joins past award winners such as Dr. Jane Goodall and Pulitzer Prize winner, Juliet Eilperin. The event will take place on March 24, 2024 at the Naval Heritage Center in Washington, DC.

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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.

NATIONAL (February 29, 2024) – Today leaders within the environmental justice movement responded to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency plan to tackle emissions from existing gas plants in a supplemental rulemaking for the “New Source Performance Standards for Greenhouse Gas Emissions from New, Modified, and Reconstructed Fossil Fuel–Fired Electric Generating Units (EGU); Emissions Guidelines for Greenhouse Gas Emissions From Existing Fossil Fuel–Fired Electric Generating Units” rule:

“We are pleased to learn that EPA Administrator Michael Regan and the White House are responding to our individual and collective concerns about the treatment of existing gas plants in the current iteration of its carbon rule proposal. Our organizations have repeatedly sounded an alarm about the lack of environmental justice analysis and cumulative impacts considerations in the proposal, and we see this reconsideration as an important step for allowing a more thoughtful and comprehensive plan for regulating this critical segment of the power sector.

We strongly believe that climate pollution mitigation and environmental justice for communities go hand in hand. Any rulemaking to address the existing gas sector can and must achieve significant reductions in greenhouse gasses while also improving local air quality and the public health of overburdened communities. In addition, a supplemental rulemaking for existing gas plants opens up the possibility of considering a diverse range of policy and practice options, from multiple sources within the Federal family, to improve pollution mitigation and environmental justice outcomes and to respond to the climate crisis.

Our request is that the EPA have a clear timeline and transparent process for proposing and implementing a supplemental rulemaking for existing gas plants as we are prepared to work collaboratively with the Agency on this new phase.”

Signatories:

• Peggy Shepard, Co-Founder and Executive Director, WE ACT for Environmental Justice.
• Dr. Ana Baptista, Co-Director of the Tishman Environment & Design Center at The New School and Associate Professor at The New School University.
• Dr. Nicky Sheats, Ph.D, MPP, Esq., Director, Center for the Urban Environment at the John S. Watson Institute for Urban Policy and Research at Kean University.
• Dr. Beverly Wright, Founder and Executive Director, Deep South Center for Environmental Justice
• Dr. Robert D. Bullard, Distinguished Professor of Urban Planning and Environmental Policy and Director of the Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice at Texas Southern University
• Rev. Lennox Yearwood, Jr., President and CEO, Hip Hop Caucus
• Maria Lopez-Nuñez, Deputy Director, Organizing and Advocacy, Ironbound Community Corporation
• Melissa Miles, Executive Director, New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance

Narrated by comedian Wanda Sykes, short film explores environmental injustice and redevelopment in sinking Norfolk, VA

WASHINGTON – Hip Hop Caucus is thrilled to announce that its short film “Underwater Projects” has been selected for inclusion in both the Social Justice Now Film Festival and the DC Environmental Film Festival. The thought-provoking film is narrated by comedian Wanda Sykes and sheds light on the urgent need for action to address environmental justice issues impacting marginalized communities in Norfolk, Virginia and across the globe.

“Underwater Projects” takes viewers on a journey into the coastal urban flooding happening in the heart of Virginia’s largest economy. A historically Black public housing community and the local U.S. Naval base are among those grappling with the devastating effects of environmental degradation and climate change. Through comedy, animation, and stunning visuals, the 28-minute film explores the intersecting challenges of rising sea levels, poverty, and systemic environmental injustice, while also highlighting the resilience and activism of frontline communities fighting for a sustainable future.

“It is an honor to have ‘Underwater Projects’ showcased at the Social Justice Now Film Festival and the DC Environmental Film Festival,” said Liz Havstad, co-director of “Underwater Projects” and Managing Director and COO at Hip Hop Caucus. “We hope that this film will spark important conversations about intersectional environmentalism and inspire greater action for environmental justice.” 

The Social Justice Now Film Festival showcases content that confronts racism and heightens awareness of the social and economic issues that negatively affect Black and Brown people in the United States. 

“Underwater Projects” will be screened during the Social Justice Now Film Festival’s ‘Short Film Collection II’ presentation on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at 7 p.m. PT at Sony Pictures Entertainment’s studio lot in Culver City. 

The DC Environmental Film Festival is the largest and longest-running environmental film festival in the United States and aims to advance understanding and stewardship of the environment through the power of film. “Underwater Projects” will be screened in Washington, D.C. during this year’s festival which runs March 21-30, 2024.

For more information about the festivals and screening schedules, visit https://www.socialjusticenowfilmfestival.org/films and https://www.dceff.org.

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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.

WASHINGTON — Today, Hip Hop Caucus President and CEO Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr. issued the following statement in response to a new report by the U.S. Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General highlighting numerous policy violations and operational failures that contributed to nearly 200 suicides by people who were incarcerated, based on a review of 344 deaths in custody from the 2014 to 2021 fiscal years:

“The findings in this new Department of Justice Inspector General’s report are stunning, seemingly avoidable, and yet, unsurprising. Deaths in custody are often occuring and underreported in the United States. The deaths highlighted in this report are a result of systemic failures in our carceral system and are exactly why we are pushing for a check box on the death certificate to declare that a death occurred in custody. It should not be a mystery how many people die in law enforcement custody in the U.S. each year, and collecting accurate and comprehensive data is a first step toward solving this problem.  

Deaths in custody are both a public health emergency and a moral failure. We are encouraged by the American Bar Association’s recent resolution calling for support of the Death in Custody Act Hip Hop Caucus will continue to raise awareness of this issue, push for amending U.S. death certificates to account for deaths in custody, and advocate for transparency and accountability throughout our criminal legal system.”

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