WASHINGTON — Today, Hip Hop Caucus Climate and Environment Policy Director Russell Armstrong issued the following statement in response to President Biden’s announcement of an executive order that will create a new office in the White House focused on environmental justice efforts:
Today’s announcement from the White House is another good start in a line of good starts on environmental justice but it doesn’t hold weight when the Administration is approving fossil fuel projects that continue to sacrifice Black, Brown and Indigenous communities. On the heels of approvals of Willow, Alaska LNG, and the Texas Rio Grande LNG projects, the Administration’s actions to support environmental justice are unfortunately once again two steps forward, one step back. However, this order is the most explicit recognition of racism as a driver of environmental injustice from the Biden Administration, and directs agencies to consider “disproportionate and adverse” impacts, including cumulative impacts on communities experiencing environmental justice. We also applaud today’s release of the environmental justice scorecard, announcements of new Justice40 covered programs including in the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, and the EPA pushing for a national strategy on plastic pollution that comes from petrochemicals. But more must be done. The Hip Hop Caucus looks forward to continuing to work with and push the Administration to enact climate justice, not just analyze and acknowledge it.
U.S. Senator Cory Booker, Representatives Barbara Lee and Raúl Grijalva awarded for climate and environmental justice leadership
WASHINGTON – Hip Hop Caucus, a national nonprofit organization that uses the power of hip-hop culture to advance civil and human rights, recognized Congressional environmental justice champions U.S. Senator Cory Booker and Representatives Barbara Lee and Raúl Grijalva with the inaugural A. Donald McEachin award at a reception on Capitol Hill on Thursday, April 20, 2023. In honor of the late Congressman and environmental justice advocate A. Donald McEachin, the award is bestowed to Congressional members who exemplifies leadership on racial justice and environmental justice on behalf of disadvantaged communities.
“Hip Hop Caucus is honored to recognize the powerful contributions of Senator Booker, Congresswoman Lee and Congressman Grijalva in support of climate and environmental justice, and celebrate the legacy of the late Congressman A. Donald McEachin’s trailblazing work, said Tanya Clay House, Executive Vice President, Campaigns and Advocacy at Hip Hop Caucus. “As we celebrate fifty years of hip-hop this year, we continue to highlight the myriad of ways that hip-hop has been a vehicle for showcasing the realities of climate and environmental injustices and shifting culture to enact effective solutions. We look forward to deepening our ongoing work with Congressional leaders from across the aisle to protect the health of our people and our planet.”
Senator Cory Booker is a long-time climate and environmental justice advocate, dating back to his tenure as Mayor of Newark, New Jersey. Senator Booker is also the co-founder of the Senate’s Environmental Justice Caucus.
Representative Barbara Lee is the former chair and current ranking member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee for State and Foreign Operations that has purview over international climate finance. Representative Lee is also the former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and former co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.
Representative Raúl Grijalva is the former chair and current ranking member of the House Natural Resources Committee. In 2022, Representative Grijalva opposed permitting reforms that would sacrifice frontline communities and gut bedrock environmental laws like the Clean Air Act and the National Environmental Policy Act.
All three Congressional members have been leaders on advancing the Environmental Justice Act for All.
“I just want to thank the Hip Hop Caucus for creating the A. Donald McEachin award in recognition of the unwavering work that my husband did in the areas of climate and environmental justice,” saidCongressman McEachin’s wife and Commonwealth’s Attorney for Richmond, Virginia Colette Wallace McEachin through video remarks at the award reception. “And I also want to thank Congressman Grijalva, Congresswoman Lee and Senator Booker in carrying on the legacy of my husband and reintroducing the EJ (Environmental Justice) For All bill.”
Hip Hop Caucus unveiled its 2023 policy and legislative agenda at the award reception, highlighting strategic long-term goals for the liberation and empowerment of communities of color. Hip Hop Caucus’ 2023 policy and legislative agenda includes organizational priorities for campaigns and advocacy efforts related to democratic policy, climate and environmental justice, criminal justice, education, health care, LGBTQIA+ rights, and economic justice.
For more information about Hip Hop Caucus, visit hiphopcaucus.org.
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 the shooting of 16-year-old Ralph Yarl and the felony charges filed against Andrew Lester:
“Hip Hop Caucus extends love to 16-year-old Ralph Yarl who was shot twice by Andrew Lester, an 85-year-old white man in Kansas City, Missouri. This act of violence is a painful reminder of the constant perceived threat embedded in the simple existence of Black lives. It is heartbreaking that multiple adults refused to help Ralph as he was injured and bleeding. Black people, especially our youth, deserve to live freely without the insidious violence of anti-Black racism.
We have seen time and time again how guns do not make us safer. Instead, America’s over-reliance and abundance of guns coupled with sparse regulation and oversight, destroys lives. Though incidents of gun violence are in front of us every day, tragedies like this should not keep happening.
Hip Hop Caucus calls for swift justice in this case, comprehensive action from our elected officials on our nation’s gun crisis, and justice for Ralph Yarl.”
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.
Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released their proposed rule to reduce emissions from heavy-duty vehicles. Although trucks make up less than 10 percent of vehicles on the road, they spew the majority of hazardous air pollutants, including 63% of NOx pollution.
In response, Rev. Lennox Yearwood, Jr., president and CEO of the Hip Hop Caucus, released the following statement:
While attending the EPA’s (Environmental Protection Agency) Clean Transportation announcement today, Hip Hop Caucus let EPA Administrator Regan know that we are here to help push for stronger emissions standards that benefit Black, Brown and low-income communities that are harmed first and worst by pollution. These rules announced today will lead to cleaner trucks and cars on the roads if implemented fully. Of particular need is the heavy-duty vehicles (HDV) rule which addresses the trucks that make up only a tenth of all the vehicles on the road but are responsible for over quarter of all emissions from the transportation sector. Some 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. While this is just another first step for the Biden Administration, along with providing credits for affordable electric vehicles and providing equitable funding for transitioning to the green economy, it is a major step in the right direction. However, until these rules are finalized, Hip Hop Caucus will continue pushing against dirty vehicles and pushing for clean cars for all.
Podcast will explore climate reparations, eco-anxiety, the climate effects of tech, 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 five today on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcats 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.
Season five launches with a producers roundtable featuring host Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr., and producers Tamara Toles O’Laughlin, Destiny Hodges, and DeJuan Cross. In this episode, they discuss major themes for this season, which include Black climate liberation, funding the climate justice movement, and the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. Listen to the season premiere here.
“The Coolest Show is a community-driven nexus for the climate expert and those who are new to understanding our climate challenges, ” said host of ‘The Coolest Show’ Rev. Yearwood. “We honor the stories and lived experiences that are not often centered in conversations about climate impacts and solutions. Bringing diverse perspectives to the forefront of our fight for our planet builds the ideas, connections and creative possibilities that will lead us to a world where we all thrive.”
The Coolest Show released a special episode (March 23) on the Silicon Valley Bank collapse featuring Marilyn Waite, director of the Climate Finance Fund, Kristal Hansley, founder & CEO of WeSolar, and Hip Hop Caucus’ Economic Justice, Justice Paid in Full Campaigns Director Stephone Coward. The guests discussed the connections between climate and economic justice, and a vision for success for Black, Brown and Indigenous communities and future generations.
With nearly 150 episodes across four 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.
WASHINGTON — Today, Hip Hop Caucus President and CEO Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr. issued the following statement in response to the deadly shooting at the Covenant School in Nashville, TN:
“Hip Hop Caucus is disheartened by the tragic shooting at the Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee which has left three children and three adults dead. This marks the 129th mass shooting in America this year and the 13th that has occurred in a school setting. For decades, gun violence has been a deadly constant in our lives. We refuse to be indifferent to its continued growth and destruction. Assault style weapons have no place in the general public. Gun reform requires not simply condolences to the families impacted, but actual action by those in power. This is not a partisan issue – but a human rights issue. We call on Congress and the Biden Administration to swiftly enact comprehensive gun reform that places the safety of the American people first, and we extend love to all of those impacted by this shooting.”
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 Hip Hop Caucus (HHC) is pleased to see the reintroduction of the Environmental Justice for All Act, and its naming in honor of the late great Congressman A. Donald McEachin. Congressman McEachin was actually the first guest on HHC’s award-winning podcast, The Coolest Show (Season 1, Episode 1), where he discussed the history of the environmental justice movement. Representing the 4th District of Virginia, Congressman McEachin kept the interests of his community first and wasn’t afraid to challenge those who wanted to keep vulnerable Black, Brown and Indigenous communities from moving from surviving to thriving. The Environmental Justice For All Act embodies that commitment, shining a light on the cumulative impacts of pollution on air and water for those communities, while strengthening the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) and other civil rights areas to ensure communities can fight back against polluters.
WASHINGTON — Today, Hip Hop Caucus President and CEO Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr. issued the following statement in response to the Silicon Valley Bank failure:
“The closure of Silicon Valley Bank on March 10 due to a bank run is not a signal of pending economic collapse or another financial crisis. The bank’s unique mix of tech start-up customers and venture-backed businesses led to a portfolio and circumstances that are exceptional for most banking institutions. We want our community to know that, like most Americans, their bank deposits are safe and insured up to $250,000 by the FDIC in qualified accounts.
This collapse was a failure of a system that continues to put the interests of Wall Street ahead of everyday people. While our communities carry concerns about health care, affordable housing, and safety in their neighborhoods, the last thing people need to worry about is their savings. As the Biden Administration has made clear, taxpayers are not responsible for paying for the bank’s mistakes and those responsible will be held accountable.
Despite the building narrative that mega banks are the only institutions that cannot fail, we must not undermine the merit and value of community and regional banks — especially those that are Black- and minority-owned. It is equally important that we do not give in to the agenda to stop supporting banks who champion diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as those who support investing in solutions to address mass incarceration and our climate crisis. These institutions not only create more economic opportunities for Black, Brown and low-income people, they also reflect the latent potential of finance as a tool for collective social good.
Hip Hop Caucus calls on the Biden Administration to expand regulations and structural changes for financial institutions, examine the stress test process that banks undergo to ensure stability, and ultimately, ensure that people’s hard-earned money continues to remain protected.”
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.
Today, Hip Hop Caucus President and CEO Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr. issued the following statement in response to The Willow Project’s Approval by President Biden and the US Department of Interior:
“Advancing the ConocoPhillips Willow Project in the Western Arctic ignores the desires of the local Nuiqsut community and puts their health and future at risk. Allowing a new 30-year oil drilling venture on Alaska’s North Slope is a climate and environmental disaster. The Willow Project, will produce devastating amounts of carbon pollution that exacerbates our climate crisis and shows the Administration is about talk, not action, when it comes to leading us away from planet endangering fossil fuels. While the historic preservation of the Arctic from new oil and gas leases should be applauded, this is yet another example of two steps forward, one step back when it comes to protecting our nation’s sacred lands and waters from corporate interests. Protecting the Arctic, which is warming four times faster than the rest of the world, is key to protecting all life.
Hip Hop Caucus will continue to join on the side of the millions of people who called upon the Biden Administration to #StopWillow , deliver on its climate justice promises, and move us forward, not backwards.”
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.
