Category: Press

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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Cultural influencers and political leaders including Claudia Jordan, Kenny Burns, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, Akio Evans, and PINKYTHARAPPER took part in the action 

WASHINGTON – Hip Hop Caucus, a national non-partisan, nonprofit organization that harnesses the power of hip-hop culture to advance civil and human rights honored its 20th anniversary this September with celebratory events across Washington, D.C. These events recognized the growth and accomplishments of Hip Hop Caucus as a leading institution fighting for racial, climate and economic justice, and celebrated the political and cultural impact of hip-hop. 

On Wednesday, September 11, the celebration started where it all began 20 years ago at Howard University with a full day of events, including a town hall, reception, Respect My Vote! GOTV block party, and music performances. At the town hall, Howard University students and the surrounding community participated in discussions, moderated by Howard University Student Association’s Government Affairs and Policy Director Nikkya Taliaferro, about Hip Hop Caucus’ journey and the critical issues at stake this election cycle with Hip Hop Caucus Board Member and Howard University Hospital President Dr. Roger Mitchell Jr., Hip Hop Caucus Board Member and Entertainment Law Attorney Lita Rosario-Richardson, Executive Vice President at the National Wildlife Federation and Former Hip Hop Caucus Senior Vice President Mustafa Santiago Ali, Co-Founder and Executive Director of The Hip Hop Museum Rocky Bucano, Creative Director, Filmmaker and Shoe Muralist Akio Evans, Recording Artist, Writer and Activist T.O.N.E., Howard University senior and men’s basketball player Bryce Harris, and Howard University junior and president of the Howard University Water and Environment Association Hailey Morris. 

Following the town hall, Hip Hop Caucus held a Respect My Vote! GOTV block party outside the Blackburn Center at Howard University with music from DJ Akademiks (WPGC-FM 95.5), free giveaways, and voter registration information. Hip Hop Caucus capped off the day with a 20th anniversary concert featuring music performances by PINKYTHARAPPER, Alantra, June, Liyala, and Eleven Tha Outcast. 

“We are honored to celebrate our 20-year anniversary on the historic campus of Howard University where Hip Hop Caucus launched and first began bringing young people and artists into the political process,” said Hip Hop Caucus President and CEO Rev Yearwood Jr. “HIp Hop Caucus has grown tremendously as an institution and accomplished so much since then. In this election year, our work is more important than ever. We remain committed to ensuring that our youth and cultural leaders are informed, are using their reach to inform others, and are taking part in the democratic process.” 

On Friday, September 13, Hip Hop Caucus made its way to the Congressional Black Caucus’ 53rd Annual Legislative Conference, where Hip Hop Caucus President and CEO Rev Yearwood Jr. joined GANGGANG Co-Founder and President Alan Bacon, Celebrity Host and Political Activist Claudia Jordan, Amazon Music’s Head of Hip-Hop & R&B Sierra Lever, and AllHipHop.com CEO Chuck Creekmur for the Hip Hop & Politics panel with moderator Cameron Trimble of Hip Politics. 

Following the panel, Rev Yearwood Jr. and GRAMMY-nominated recording artist and activist Antonique Smith launched Climate Revival with a live Climate Conversations and Gospel concert featuring Rise St. James President and TIME 100 Award recipient Sharon Lavigne, Vessel Project of Louisiana Founder Roishetta Ozane, Filmmaker Maya Penn, United States Representative Justin Pearson (D-TN), and Tony and GRAMMY-award winner Leslie Odom Jr. Climate Revival aims to mobilize communities of faith and people of color to engage in climate and environmental justice issues. .

To cap off the week of celebrations, Hip Hop Caucus and radio personality Kenny Burns hosted an unforgettable party at The Park at 14th bringing together the D.C. community, including members of Congress, Congressional staffers, artists, influencers, and D.C. residents.

Hip Hop Caucus is proud to celebrate 20 years of service, education, influence, and impact. To learn more about Hip Hop Caucus, visit www.hiphopcaucus.org. 

Hip Hop Caucus’ 20th Anniversary Celebrations

Event Photos

Photo Credit: Hip Hop Caucus 

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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.

The two-day commemoration events united the New Orleans Community, uplifted spirits and demanded climate justice on the 19th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina

NEW ORLEANS — Hip Hop Caucus and New Orleans Katrina Commemoration Foundation honored the 19th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina with a special press conference and hosted the 19th Annual Hurricane Katrina March and Second Line on August 29 and August 31, respectively. The commemoration saw hip-hop artists, government officials, and New Orleans activists gather together in remembrance of Hurricane Katrina to demand better environmental protections, and to celebrate the perseverance of the New Orleans community. 

The press conference, which was held at Louisiana State Representative Alonzo Knox’s office on the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina made a public call to establish the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina as a state and local holiday. Speakers included Hip Hop Caucus’ Artist Relations Director and Cultural Producer Dawn Richard, New Orleans Katrina Commemoration Foundation Founder and Rapper Sess 4-5, U.S. Representative Alonzo L. Knox, New Orleans City Councilmember Oliver E. Thomas, New Orleans City Councilmember Eugene J. Green, Rapper Mia X, Community Advocate Jordan Bridges, 9th Ward Resident Robert Green, and Poet Sunni Patterson. 

Hip Hop Caucus’ Artist Relations Director and Cultural Producer and New Orleans native Dawn Richard powerfully remarked, “It was a day of extreme loss, me losing my grandfather, me losing my family dynamic…[Hurricane Katrina] was one of the many events that showed our city and state we have to fight for climate justice.”

This year’s annual Hurricane Katrina March started in the Lower 9th Ward next to the breached levee with a touching and harmonious healing ceremony filled with prayers from Members of the Congo Kids and the Guardians of the Flame Maroon Society with over 100 people in attendance. Following the ceremony, attendees proceeded with the march through the streets where they then fed into a large Second Line and finished at Hunter’s Field with music performances hosted by Wild Wayne. 

At the Hunter’s Field, the New Orleans Community celebrated community resiliency and highlighted the continued support needed for those who are still impacted by Hurricane Katrina with personal stories and performances from Sess 4-5, GeWiz, Jordan Michael, 7Teen, T99zy, Ricky B, PopOut, Money Mike Bo, Tonya Boyd Cannon, Lady Red, Ms. Tee, Flagboy Giz and the Ghetto Twinz.

Hip Hop Caucus President and CEO Rev Yearwood Jr. implored leaders to take action and mitigate the effects of climate disasters. He passionately emphasized the importance of participating in the upcoming election and demanded better protections against the environmental effects of petrochemicals, which intensify the threat of climate change and disproportionately affect Black, Brown and underprivileged communities along the Gulf Coast.

This event was also the first stop of the Hip Hop Caucus’ Respect My Vote! Tour which is aimed at educating, registering and mobilizing voters of color. Respect My Vote! launched as a Hip Hop Caucus campaign in 2008 and is the largest and longest running non-partisan, hip-hop voter mobilization campaign.

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.

New Orleans Katrina Commemoration Foundation

New Orleans Katrina Commemoration Foundation annually organizes the largest community-led remembrance event on the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, August 29th.

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WASHINGTON — Today, Hip Hop Caucus’ Associate Senior Director of Think 100% Jasmine Gil issued the following statement in response to the Louisiana federal court ruling permanently blocking the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Justice from enforcing disparate impact regulations in the state under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act:

“The recent ruling by Judge James Cain is a devastating blow to environmental justice in Louisiana, particularly for Black and Brown communities who have long suffered at the hand of industrial pollution in ‘Cancer Alley.’ By blocking the EPA from enforcing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, this decision strips away critical protections that were designed to ensure that all people have the right to clean air, water, and a safe environment and emboldens polluters to continue systemically poisoning marginalized communities.

The court’s ruling creates a dangerous precedent by artificially separating disparate impact from intentional discrimination. In reality, systemic inequalities and disproportionate harm to minority communities often stem from deeply rooted biases, even when not explicitly stated. By requiring proof of overt discriminatory intent, the court ignores the subtle yet pervasive ways racism manifests in policy and practice.The stark disparities in environmental harm faced by Black communities in ‘Cancer Alley’ didn’t arise by chance — they are the result of decades of decisions that consistently prioritized industrial interests over the health and wellbeing of minority residents. To dismiss this pattern of disparate impact is to turn a blind eye to the very real and intentional choices that created and perpetuate these injustices.

We must recognize that impact and intent are inextricably linked. When policies consistently produce racially disparate outcomes, it reveals an underlying system of discrimination that demands scrutiny and remedy. By stripping away the EPA’s ability to address disparate impact, this ruling effectively sanctions the continuation of environmental racism, whether overt or covert.

Hip Hop Caucus stands with the people of Louisiana and calls on leaders at all levels to recognize the gravity of this decision and to take urgent action to protect those most vulnerable. Environmental justice is not just a legal issue — it’s a moral imperative. We will not rest until all communities are granted the protections they deserve under the law.”  

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Featuring GRAMMY-nominated Artists, Leading Advocates, and Industry Innovators in support of the ‘Respect My Vote!’ Campaign

See the Artivist Class of 2024 here.

WASHINGTON — Hip Hop Caucus, the national nonprofit organization at the intersection of art, activism, and hip hop culture, is proud to announce the launch of the ‘Artivist Class of 2024.’ This inaugural cohort of visionary artists and advocates comes together to bolster this year’s ‘Respect My Vote!’ campaign, the largest and longest-running hip-hop voter mobilization effort. 

For two decades, Hip Hop Caucus has been at the forefront of harnessing the power of hip hop culture to drive social change, dismantle oppressive systems, and protect human rights. The ‘Artivist Class of 2024’ embodies this mission, featuring cultural leaders like GRAMMY-nominated recording artist Tank from Tank and the Bangas, acclaimed actress and transgender rights advocate Angelica Ross from FX’s American Horror Story and Pose, and Ryan Butler, Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at The Recording Academy. 

Central to the campaign’s launch was a dynamic and immersive photoshoot and video production. The shoot, masterfully captured by Hip Hop Caucus’ Digital, Production and Artist and Influencer Relations teams – JaRel Clay, Dawn Richard, Antonio Hernandez and photographer Yasmin Antonio – brought together this diverse class of artists, all dedicated to using their platforms to champion social justice and inspire change through their work. 

“The Respect My Vote! Artivist Class of 2024 photo shoot by Hip Hop Caucus is a powerful testament to the critical role that artivists play in issue advocacy and shaping our political landscape,” emphasized Dawn Richard, Hip Hop Caucus’ Artist Relations Director and organizer of the shoot. “This moment is especially significant because it underscores the urgent need for diverse voices and creative expressions in the electoral process. Artivists—artists who merge activism with their craft—possess a unique ability to mobilize, inspire, and engage communities in ways that traditional political campaigns often cannot. Through their compelling visuals and potent messages, they illuminate pressing social issues, galvanize voter turnout, and challenge systemic injustices. This campaign not only celebrates their influence but also serves as a clarion call for increased participation and representation in getting out the vote.”

The shoot captured visionaries such as: 

• Angelica Ross, actress and transgender rights advocate
• Durand Bernarr, recording artist
• Tank from ‘Tank and the Bangas,’ GRAMMY-nominated recording artist
• Antonique Smith, GRAMMY-nominated recording artist
• Ryan Butler, GRAMMY-nominated recording artist and The Recording Academy’s Vice President of DEI
• Zebretta Johnson, three-time Emmy Award-winning choreographer and professional dancer
• Erin Jordan, Executive Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at Paramount Pictures
• Samata Pattinson, writer and sustainability consultant
• Saint Elgin, recording artist
• Andre Perry, photographer and director
• Megumi Nakazawa, painter
• Big Wind Carpenter, queer Indigenous organizer, artist & abolitionist

The artists’ portraits and video interviews will be released as a part of a multimedia campaign to engage and inspire communities across the nation. By harnessing the power of art, the campaign aims to drive voter participation and raise awareness of critical social issues impacting marginalized communities across the nation. 

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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.