Category: Press

WASHINGTON — Today, Hip Hop Caucus’ Economic Justice, Justice Paid In Full Campaigns Director Stephone Coward II issued the following statement in response to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s new finalized rule which limits bank overdraft fees from $35 to $5:

“The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) new overdraft protections are a resounding victory and economic justice for families and communities that have been relentlessly targeted by predatory lending systems. As a former banker, I’ve witnessed firsthand how excessive overdraft fees inflict significant financial trauma on consumers and exemplify banks’ persistent prioritization of profit over people. 

At Hip Hop Caucus, we know that prioritizing people and making a profit aren’t mutually exclusive. Through our growing Bank Black & Green campaign, we aim to establish an equitable banking system that strengthens the economic power of frontline communities of color through consumer financial protections, supports Black Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs) to deepen investments in a green economy, and reinforces commitments to not financing extractive industries like fossil fuels and mass incarceration. 

We call on Congress to uphold CFPB’s overdraft decision and protect families from predatory fees and practices.”

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WASHINGTON — Today, Hip Hop Caucus’ Associate Director of Respect My Vote! Chris Walton issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision to allow Virginia to continue purging more than 1,600 people from the state’s voter rolls:

“The U.S. Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision to allow the state of Virginia to continue removing registered voters from its voter rolls, less than a week away from the general election, is a violation of The National Voter Registration Act and is an unfair attack on voting rights. 

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin’s August 7 executive order to expedite the removal of non-U.S. citizens from the state’s voter rolls may have aimed to uphold election integrity, but it has had the opposite effect. Legally registered U.S. citizens are caught in its snares and this must be corrected. 

The National Voter Registration Act notes that states must pause systemic removals from voting rolls during the 90-day period before the election. This Supreme Court decision runs the risk of setting an unfair precedent for how the courts handle election appeals and is yet another example of why it is critically important to ensure that our votes are respected.

Hip Hop Caucus calls on Virginia’s election officials to pause its error-ridden voter purge program and reinstate the legally registered and eligible Virginia voters who were removed. Hip Hop Caucus will continue to push back against concerted efforts to restrict voting rights. Virginia allows in-person voter registration through Election Day and there is still time to make your voice heard.”

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WASHINGTON — Two weeks after Hurricane Helene devastated communities across the Southeast, another devastating storm, Hurricane Milton, has torn through Florida. Between Hurricane Helene’s destruction and Milton’s shocking intensification, these disasters are stark reminders of the escalating dangers we face from climate change. Hip Hop Caucus’ Associate Senior Director of Think 100% Jasmine Gil issued the following statement: 

“Hurricane Milton isn’t just another storm — it’s a consequence fueled by a warming planet.  In the matter of weeks, this second hurricane has devastated some of the very same communities that were just overwhelmed by Hurricane Helene. The direct link between climate change and increased hurricane severity is undeniable. 

 Not only are we ill prepared for its aftermaths, but the first-hand documented experiences via social media has shown us that we are even less prepared in the anticipation of these storms. In Florida, we’ve seen low-income neighborhoods struggling to evacuate. This pattern of a lack of equitable resources to equip and rebuild Black and Brown communities — already bearing the weight of environmental racism — will continue to be hit hardest by these disasters until our leaders decide to prioritize climate action.

We don’t have time for half measures  — our lives are at stake. Our government, both federal and state, must act now to protect us and future generations, or we’ll continue facing these deadly, catastrophic storms.”

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WASHINGTON — Hurricane Helene has wreaked havoc across multiple states, leaving behind widespread destruction. Once again, we see marginalized communities bearing the brunt of a climate-change fueled strom with inadequate resources and no clear path to recovery. Hip Hop Caucus’ Think 100% Associate Senior Director Jasmine Gil issued the following statement: 

“First and foremost, our thoughts are with the communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. We stand in solidarity with those who have lost homes, livelihoods, and loved ones. In the week since Hurricane Helene struck, we’ve witnessed immense devastation, and its aftermath continues to reveal the glaring need for climate action and environmental justice. Warming temperatures, fueled by our harmful dependence on fossil fuels, supercharged this storm, and yet, our government has failed to meaningfully address climate change and done little to prepare or protect those at the greatest risk from its effects. 

As we approach the INC-5 global plastic treaty negotiations this November, we must recognize the intrinsic link between the fossil fuel industry, the pollution the industry creates (such as plastic products), climate change, and environmental justice. Plastic production not only contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, it also disproportionately impacts marginalized communities.

We are nearly two decades post-Hurricane Katrina and little has changed. If anything, we’ve significantly increased our dependence on these issues while decreasing the resources we should be investing back into communities. The same communities that already  endure environmental racism and economic hardship–are once again being left to fend for themselves. The slow rollout of relief efforts, coupled with a failure to hold polluters accountable, shows that our leaders (both state and federal) need to make more decisions that address the root causes of climate change.   The time for half measures and empty promises is over. 

As communities across the Southeast begin the long road to recovery, Hip Hop Caucus urges policymakers to recognize that we need bold, immediate action to provide relief and systemic change to prevent these disasters from continuing to devastate our communities. Climate action is not optional—it’s a matter of justice.”

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Notable participants and attendees included music artists Earthgang and Jade Novah, climate activist Anaya Dillard, father of environmental justice movement Dr. Robert Bullard, and environmental justice pioneer Dr. Beverly Wright 

WASHINGTON — This week, Hip Hop Caucus, the national nonprofit organization at the intersection of art, activism, and hip-hop culture, celebrated Climate Week New York with events across NYC to bring hip-hop culture, community awareness and civic engagement to the climate and environmental justice issues disproportionately impacting people of color.

On Monday, September 23, Hip Hop Caucus premiered the short film ‘Underwater Projects’ with a green carpet screening and reception at the Helen Mills Theater in midtown Manhattan. Following the screening, Hip Hop Caucus President & CEO  Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr. and Hip Hop Caucus’ Managing Director and COO, and ‘Underwater Projects’ Director Liz Havstad, joined the film’s stars Deirdre “Moma D” Love and Malik Jordan of Teens with a Purpose, and UPROSE director Elizabeth Yeampierre for a panel discussion about the filmmaking process and their hopes for a cleaner, greener future in communities of color. Leading environmental activists and influencers attended the premiere, including sustainability activist Anya Dillard, executive director of Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Beyond Petrochemicals campaign Heather McTeer Toney, climate activist and the youngest-ever White House advisor Jerome Foster II, father of the environmental justice movement Dr. Robert Bullard, and environmental justice pioneer Dr. Beverly Wright.

Narrated by comedian Wanda Sykes, ‘Underwater Projects’ focuses on the coastal urban flooding in the Hampton Roads area of Virgina, where the world’s largest naval base and a historic Black community are vulnerable to sinking. Underwater Projects mixes animation with live action to profile the area’s local leaders as they rush to create climate resilience plans to face an uncertain future.

Hip Hop Caucus also hosted the virtual We Shall Breathe Summit ahead of the premiere, which drew more than 200,000 live views. The summit highlighted the interconnected struggles for climate justice, economic justice, and voting rights through the perspectives of Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities in the U.S. South and the Global South. The summit featured reflections from climate and cultural leaders including Black Girl Environmentalist founder Wawa Gatheru, Good Energy Project strategist Bruno Olmedo Quiroga, and writer, educator and social influencer Conscious Lee, as well as music performances by singer Jade Novah, rapper and motivational speaker Yellopain, and musician AY Young. 

On Tuesday, September 24, Hip Hop Caucus teamed up with GRAMMY-nominees Earthgang and the Earthgang Foundation to host “Urban Beats & Global Heat: Voting for Green Futures” at LUME Studios. The event highlighted the crucial intersection of climate action and voting, showcased a live art battle with artists Marly McFly, Lady J Day, and Jay McKay, and featured immersive art and sounds by Sterling Victorian and IMKA. 

This week, Hip Hop Caucus President & CEO Rev. Lennox Yearwood. Jr. shared remarks about frontline communities and climate leadership at the 6th International Rights of Nature Tribunal, 1st session: The End of the Fossil Fuel Era and at the Forbes Sustainability Leaders Summit. Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr. was recently featured as one of 50 leaders who are at the forefront of addressing the global climate crisis through innovative, impactful solutions in Forbes’ inaugural Sustainability Leaders List.

Earlier this month, Hip Hop Caucus launched the Respect My Vote! Campaign ahead of the 2024 Presidential election to mobilize Gen Z voters, voters of color, and returning citizens. Hip Hop Caucus will continue to host events throughout October and November to bring communities together and help with voter education on pressing issues such as climate change. Respect My Vote! is the largest and longest-running hip-hop voter mobilization effort. 

For more information, visit www.hiphopcaucus.org and www.respectmyvote.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.

WASHINGTON — Hip Hop Caucus is proud to announce that President & CEO Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr. has been named to Forbes’ first ever “Sustainability Leaders” list. This prestigious recognition highlights 50 entrepreneurs, scientists, funders, policymakers, and activists who are at the forefront of addressing the global climate crisis through innovative, impactful solutions.

Forbes’ decision to launch this list for the first time underscores the urgency of the climate and environmental challenges we face. Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr.’s inclusion is a testament to his lifelong commitment to climate justice and the significant strides he has made in connecting climate change to racial justice and social equity.

“It is an honor to be recognized by Forbes among this group of incredible leaders who share a passion and dedication for solving our climate crisis,” said Hip Hop Caucus President & CEO Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr.. “Hip Hop Caucus is committed to making the world more sustainable, equitable, and just, and this moment is a reminder that we must collectively continue pushing forward.”

Through his leadership of Hip Hop Caucus, Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr. has mobilized young people, artists, communities of color and other marginalized groups to become active in the climate movement, advocating for policies and solutions that address both the climate crisis and systemic inequalities. His work aims to ensure that those most affected by environmental injustices are not just heard, but are leading the fight for change.

“This recognition is a reflection of Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr.’s unwavering commitment to serving communities who are first and worst impacted by climate and environmental injustice, and creating a liveable planet for everyone. His leadership has been instrumental in shaping Hip Hop Caucus’ leadership in linking climate justice and racial justice solutions, and this honor reinforces the vital role he plays in the global movement for clean air, clean water and true community-based prosperity,” said Hip Hop Caucus’ Managing Director and COO Liz Havstad. 

Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr. is the host of the award-winning climate and environmental justice podcast The Coolest Show, chair of Bloomberg Philanthropies Beyond Petrochemicals Campaign, and has been recognized by the Obama White House for his climate and sustainability leadership as a Champion of Change.

The Forbes “Sustainability Leaders” list features global climate and environmental justice leaders including the mayor of Sierra Leone’s capital Freetown Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, Whole Foods Market CEO Jason Buechel, Washington State Governor Jay Inslee, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan.

Earlier this month, Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr. delivered a keynote speech at the  University of Maryland’s  Center for Community Engagement, Environmental Justice, and Health (CEEJH) 10th Annual Environmental Justice Symposium. CEEJH uses data and training to empower communities.

For more information on Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr.’s work and Hip Hop Caucus, visit www.hiphopcaucus.org.

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About Hip Hop Caucus 

Formed in 2004, the Hip Hop Caucus 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, Hip Hop Caucus addresses core issues affecting underserved communities. Hip Hop Caucus programs and campaigns support solution-driven community organizing led by today’s young leaders.

Voting tool will help thousands of returning citizens with felony convictions determine if they are eligible to vote 

Washington, D.C. (September 20, 2024) – Hip Hop Caucus, announced today the launch of their national nonpartisan award-winning Respect My Vote! Campaign for the 2024 presidential election. This year’s campaign will focus on economic, civil rights, climate change, and environmental issues that disproportionately affect Black and brown communities. The core of Respect My Vote!’s campaign is using voting as a means of addressing the problems that plague communities of color. 

For more than 15 years, Hip Hop Caucus has mobilized hundreds of thousands of people of color to vote. As part of Hip Hop Caucus’ Respect My Vote! campaign, they aim to collect 50,000 voter pledges and register 25,000 voters across target states. These markets include Georgia, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Alabama, and Wisconsin. This will be accomplished through relational, digital, and influencer organizing, events, and more. 

“For the past 16 years, Respect My Vote! has been dedicated to educating and mobilizing voters of color,” Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr., President and CEO of Hip Hop Caucus said. “We will continue to do this crucial work, and help our communities decipher the evolving voter laws across the country. This election cycle is one of the most pivotal our country has ever faced, and we will do all we can to make voting accessible for all.”  

Hip Hop Caucus is a voter engagement partner for BET Media Group’s ‘We VOTE’ campaign which will mobilize voters across digital, social, and streaming platforms. This partnership further amplifies Hip Hop Caucus’ Respect My Vote! Campaign to innovatively reach target voters across the nation.  

Established in 2008, the multifaceted and integrated voting campaign provides voter education, voter registration, get-out-the-vote activities, voter protection, and issue advocacy, with a special focus on returning citizens. Returning citizens — those who have previously been incarcerated or convicted of a felony — is a key demographic for this year’s campaign. 

Currently, there are a number of Americans who believe they have lost their right to vote due to the fact that they have a felony conviction, when in fact that is not the case. Having previous convictions does not always result in voting ineligibility and returning citizens have a right to vote in some states. As a part of the Respect My Vote! Campaign, Hip Hop Caucus’ voting tool is geared toward helping returning citizens determine if they are eligible to vote. 

The voting tool is designed to inform returning citizens about voting rights for all states, walks each user through their potential eligibility, and provides resources to register. If the user is not in fact eligible to vote, the tool outlines and explains exactly why. 

This year, the Hip Hop Caucus kicked off the Respect My Vote! Tour in New Orleans on August 31. The tour is aimed at bringing communities together and help with voter education and registration. Respect My Vote! Tour will make the following stops with others to still be added:

• September 5: Atlanta, GA 
• September 11: Washington, DC 
• September 20: Greensboro, NC
• September 21: Atlanta, GA
• September 23: New York City, NY
• October 1: Houston, TX

• October 1: Milwaukee, WI
• October 3: Norfolk, VA
• October 8: Detroit, MI
• October 10: Houston, TX
• November 1: Durham, NC

About Hip Hop Caucus 

Formed in 2004, the Hip Hop Caucus 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, Hip Hop Caucus addresses core issues affecting underserved communities. Hip Hop Caucus programs and campaigns support solution-driven community organizing led by today’s young leaders.

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