This post was originally posted on the Hip Hop Caucus Medium blog by Rev Yearwood, President & CEO, Hip Hop Caucus

 

Humanity’s dependence on fossil fuels needs to end. It is critical for our communities now and the future of the planet that fossil fuels stay in the ground. We must demand a fast and just transition from fossil fuels to 100% renewable energy.

That is the plan, but how we get there is what throws the climate movement for a loop. It is what keeps us from meeting our goal.

The only way the climate movement wins is by becoming a multiracial movement. Period, full stop.

Our movement needs to be about more than statistics and talking points. It needs to be about culture. Our goal is reaching into people’s hearts as well as their heads, and it requires all of us — black, white, Latino, Asian, young, old, indigenous, immigrant, urban and rural. Every single one of us. That is how we win!

 

What usually happens at this point of the conversation is many good people in the climate movement begin to tune out, not because they are bad people, but because they say “I don’t know how to do this”, “this will take to long”, or “we don’t have enough time”.

It’s true. We don’t have much time. The world is warming at an alarming rateand in 2017 the devastating impacts of climate change were all to real for our communities.

Hurricane Harvey brought us the biggest rainstorm in American history — five feet of water on top of Houston. Hurricane Irma brought us the longest stretch of winds above 185 mph ever recorded on planet earth. Hurricane Maria brought us — well, utter devastation, including the longest blackout in American history, one still continuing for hundreds of thousands of our fellow citizens in Puerto Rico. The deadliest and largest wildfire season in California history killed dozens of people and charred millions of acres of land home to families, farms, and wildlife.

So I understand. It’s terrifying. Especially with the Trump Administration’s climate denial, and destruction of environmental and public health safeguards. But if we want to win, if we want to transition, if we want to fight for future generations, then we have no choice but to become a multiracial movement.

That means in our resources, our funding, who speaks, who we hire, who leads, who follows, how we use culture — it all matters if we want to win.

There is an old saying, “what got us here, won’t get us there”. It’s time for the climate movement to realize that there is no other way. It’s time for the climate movement to grow. I know this won’t be easy, but we must do it. We have no choice.

That’s why this Wednesday, January 31st, the day after Trump’s first State of the Union address, we start this process! Join us for an amazing event to light the path forward to winning in 2018 and beyond. You can be there in person or attend one of the hundreds of watch parties happening across the country.

 

I’m so thankful for 350.org and Bill McKibben, for their vision and bringing us all together for this event, and being the epitome of climate resistance across the globe. I’m also ecstatic that under the leadership of Liz Havstad as Executive Director and Mustafa Santiago Ali as Senior Vice President, Hip Hop Caucus as an organization is a leading catalyst for change.

It will be a blessing to be on stage with People’s Climate Music Ambassador Antonique Smith, and the baddest Gospel Choir from my alma mater, Howard University.

Not to forget Senator Bernie Sanders, NAACP’s Jacqui Patterson, Cherri Foytlin from BOLD Louisiana (my home state!), Jessica Lorena Rangel from Eyes of a Dreamer, and Varshini Prakash with the Sunrise Movement (there is no movement without young people!).

This is just a start. I’m so excited about the future of the climate movement because I know we will be one of the most multicultural movements ever.

Let’s do it! See you Wednesday. Fossil. Free. Fast.

Rise with us! Together we have power.

For Future Generations,

Rev Yearwood, President & CEO, Hip Hop Caucus

Hip Hop Caucus is a national nonprofit, nonpartisan organization established in 2004 that uses the power of Hip Hop culture to engage and empower young people and communities of color in the civic and political process.

MORE AT HIPHOPCAUCUS.ORG

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January 8, 2018 – FIRST SONG FROM THEIR ACCLAIMED GRAPHIC NOVEL MASTERS OF THE SUN (ON MARVEL COMICS) AND AUGMENTED REALITY APP (FEATURING VOICES OF STAN LEE, JAMIE FOXX, QUEEN LATIFAH, ICE T, MARY J BLIGE, JADEN SMITH, SNOOP & MORE). VIRTUAL REALITY EXPERIENCE DEBUTING AT SUNDANCE

INNOVATIVE VIDEO URGES AWARENESS AND ACTION ON POLICE BRUTALITY, PRISON REFORM, GUN REFORM AND IMMIGRATION INJUSTICES

WATCH “STREET LIVIN” VIDEO

It’s directed by Will.i.am and highlights four huge issues largely impacting communities of color – Police Brutality, Prison Reform, Gun Reform, and Immigration.

The end of the video directs viewers to take action (organizations listed below) at blackeyedpeas.com/streetlivin and social media dialogue using #BEPstreetlivin.

The song was inspired by their ambitious graphic novel distributed by Marvel Comics, ‘Masters of the Sun: The Zombie Chronicles’ and the issues that were present in the novel (80’s) are still major issues that we are battling today…

They recently released the AR- augmented reality app for the graphic novel features the voices of Stan Lee, Jamie Foxx, Queen Latifah, Ice T, Mary J Blige, Jaden Smith, Snoop & more.

The Masters of The Sun virtual reality experience will have its world premiere and launch at Sundance Film Festival and be released globally on January 19th and stars Stan Lee, Jamie Foxx, Queen Latifah, Rakim, Slick Rick and Jason Isaacs and distributed by Oculus. Both the AR app and VR experience feature narration by 95-year-old legendary comic icon Stan Lee and a score co-produced by will.i.am and Academy Award-winning composer, Hans Zimmer (Dark Knight Trilogy, The Lion King).

Call to Action: The call to action is directed by leading national organizations: Hip Hop Caucus in partnership with i.am.angel foundation and Black Alliance for Just Immigration, Community Justice Reform Coalition, PICO’s LIVE FREE Campaign, Schools Not Prisons, The Gathering for Justice, and United We Dream. #BEPstreetlivin

About Hip Hop Caucus: Hip Hop Caucus (www.hiphopcaucus.org) is a national nonprofit, nonpartisan organization established in 2004 that uses the power of Hip Hop culture to engage and empower young people and communities of color in the civic and political process.

Black Eyed Peas on Social Media: Twitter / Facebook / Instagram / YouTube

‘Masters of the Sun’ on the web: Twitter / Facebook / Instagram / YouTube

AR experience – available on iOS and Android.

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“Think 100%, Coolest Show on Climate Change” is a ground-breaking weekly radio show and podcast that focuses on building a diverse and empowered movement to fight climate change, environmental injustices, and propel the transition to 100% clean energy for all. The platform will be a vital tool in linking climate and culture, and bringing influences from both worlds together to talk environmental justice and climate change.

The show is hosted by two nationally recognized leaders, Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr. and Mustafa Santiago Ali. Both hosts bring to the table critical insight and expertise from decades of experience working with vulnerable communities across the United States and beyond. 

Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr., President and CEO of the Hip Hop Caucus, is a minister, community activist and one of the most influential people in Hip Hop political life. Rev Yearwood is a national leader in engaging young people in electoral activism. He leads the national Respect My Vote! campaign and coalition (www.respectmyvote.com). A national leader and pacemaker within the green movement, Rev Yearwood has been successfully bridging the gap between communities of color and environmental issue advocacy over the past decade. With a diverse set of celebrity allies, Rev Yearwood raises awareness and action in communities that are often overlooked by traditional environmental campaigns and the progressive movement. Rev Yearwood’s innovative stance has garnered the Hip Hop Caucus support from several environmental leaders including the National Wildlife Federation, Earthjustice, and former Vice President Al Gore’s Alliance for Climate Protection.

Mustafa Santiago Ali is the Senior Vice President of Climate, Environmental Justice & Community Revitalization at Hip Hop Caucus. Mustafa is a renowned national speaker, policy maker, community liaison, trainer, and facilitator. He specializes in social and environmental justice issues and is focused on a utilizing a holistic approach to revitalizing vulnerable communities . He joined the Hip Hop Caucus, after working 24 years at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), where he most recently served as Senior Advisor for Environmental Justice and Community Revitalization. At the EPA, he elevated environmental justice issues and worked across federal agencies to strengthen environmental justice policies, programs and initiatives. Throughout his career he has worked with over 500 domestic and international communities to improve people’s lives by addressing environmental, health, and economic justice issues.

Tune into “Think 100%, coolest show on climate change” every Tuesday at 6pm EST, or stream live from WPFW. Follow Rev Yearwood (@RevYearwood), Mustafa Ali (@EJinAction), and Hip Hop Caucus @HipHopCaucus on Twitter to stay updated on the latest news, and to get involved in the show.

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John Lewis’s Advice For Defending Our Health and the EPA: ‘Get Into Good Trouble’

Mustafa calls out the environmental injustice and disservice the Trump Administration is exhibiting by its attempts to undermine the public health protections and programs many families of color rely on.

This article was originally posted March 19, 2018, on Blavity.com 

In 2014, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) celebrated the 20th anniversary of a historic Presidential Executive Order (E.O.12898) declaring action on environmental justice. The guest of honor was Congressman John Lewis, a legendary civil rights champion and an environmental justice advocate. In 1992, he introduced the Environmental Justice Act, the first piece of legislation dedicated to abolishing racial disparities, environmental protection applications. Soon after, the environmental justice program at EPA was established—an office I worked in for almost 25 years.

But given the Trump administration’s intentional neglect of the most basic of EPA’s mandates, I left the agency, and joined the Hip Hop Caucus. We and our partners are committed to transforming our communities from ‘surviving to ‘thriving’. And that means defending against the injustices of pollution and disinvestment.

And the truth is, some injustices are easier to see, like signs hanging above a water fountain or on a bathroom door. Under the surface, systemic harm disproportionately undermining black and brown families continues to fester, demands more thoughtful attention than ever before.

Let’s take the tragic story of Freddie Gray, for example. It’s been a few years since young Freddie Gray died in the back of a police van in Baltimore, Maryland. His death sparked conversation about police brutality, and the criminal justice system. But the untold story is one of unfair environmental harm. It turns out, Freddie grew up in the projects in Baltimore, and was exposed to lead paint chips as a child. Science tells us that exposure to lead at that age seriously inhibits brain development, leading to increased academic struggles and higher rates of youth run-ins with the law. We currently have over one million kids who are suffering from lead poisoning.

When the Trump Administration undermines public health protections and programs families like Freddie’s rely on, communities of color suffer the most. Our safety and our health the first rung on any letter of opportunity. The President and his backers have posed historically deep cuts to cornerstone environmental justice programs and the stripping of grant dollars dedicated to ensuring safe water to drink and clean air to breathe, all while our children suffer from more asthma, our families are exposed to more toxic chemicals, and our neighborhoods deal with higher levels of contaminated water.

A recent investigation into water contamination around the country identified more than 3,000 neighborhood areas with recently recorded childhood lead poisoning rates at least double those found across Flint, Michigan, during the peak of that city’s water contamination a few years ago. In fact, more than 1,000 of those ‘hotspots’ have a rate of elevated blood lead levels higher than Flint’s.

Whether it’s his political delay of the Waters of the United States rule meant to keep sources of drinking water safe from harm—or continual blockage of having EPA do the job Congress gave it to do, Trump’s actions put us in real, measurable danger.

On the heels of Black History Month, we’re reminded that the environmental movement and the civil rights movement are two sides of the same coin: EPA was born from an all-too-familiar compulsion to fight for basic rights—the right to clean air to breathe, clean water to drink, and healthy land to raise our families.

As he spoke to EPA staff in 2014 upon receiving his award, Congressman Lewis recounted his first recollection, as a young boy in Jim Crow Alabama, seeing entry signs and water fountains labeled ‘colored’ and ‘white’. I was there in the room when he described it in detail. He remembers asking his family why such discrimination existed: “They said, ‘That’s just the way it is. Don’t get in the way. Don’t get in trouble.’”

Today, in this new era of anti-science, racially charged political leadership, as environmental health injustices deepen their roots in black and brown communities, we must endeavor—like generations past—to give voice to the voiceless and fight for a more equitable future.

At the end of his talk at, John Lewis said to all of us in the room: “thank you for getting in the way. Thank you for getting in trouble – good trouble. It’s the necessary thing to do.”

Let’s take a page out of Congressman Lewis’s book. Let’s keep getting into good trouble.

About the Author: Mustafa Santiago Ali is a renowned national speaker, policy maker, community liaison, trainer, and facilitator. Mr. Ali specializes in social and environmental justice issues and is focused on a utilizing a holistic approach to revitalizing vulnerable communities. He joined the Hip Hop Caucus after working 24 years at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), where he most recently served as Senior Advisor for Environmental Justice and Community Revitalization. Throughout his career he has worked with over 500 domestic and international communities to improve people’s lives by addressing environmental, health, and economic justice issues. For more from Mustafa, please be sure to check out Mustafa’s latest appearance on AM Joy, video interview with Robert Reich, and interview on the Politically Re-Active podcast with Kamau Bell and Hari Kondabolu. You can also keep up with him on Twitter (@EJinAction).

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Respect My Vote! campaign conducting non-partisan onsite voter registration and voter pledge operations in five cities across the country to turn advocacy into power at the polls

Washington, D.C. – On Saturday, March 24th, Hip Hop Caucus is joining March For Our Lives to demand an end to the gun violence that plagues communities across the country. Through Hip Hop Caucus’ Respect My Vote! Campaign, non-partisan voter registration and voter pledge engagement operations will take place in five major cities to ensure young people are able to exercise their power in our democracy during the upcoming midterm elections and beyond. The five cities are: Washington D.C.; Detroit, MI; New Orleans, LA; Los Angeles, CA; and, Charlotte, NC. Hip Hop Caucus’ objective is to make sure that this powerful movement for gun reform carries its momentum into lasting positive change for communities on the frontlines of gun violence.

“In the 20th century, freedom fighters fought for equality. In the 21st century, we are fighting for existence as we march for our lives,” said Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr., Hip Hop Caucus President and CEO. “We stand in solidarity with the amazing young people who so bravely stepped up after the Parkland shooting to say enough is enough. And, we stand in solidarity with the community activists and leaders in Black, Brown and Native communities who have been demanding action on gun violence for years with much less attention. This is a turning point and young people will be going to the polls this November demanding gun reform.”

Hip Hop Caucus supports the March For Our Lives call to enact common-sense gun reform including banning the sale of assault weapons, prohibiting the sale of high-capacity magazines, closing the loophole in our background check law, creating violence prevention programs, and ensuring mental health access for those impacted by exposure to gun violence. To achieve these reforms, Hip Hop Caucus is mobilizing young people who are supporting the March For Our Lives movement to register to vote, start or join voter registration drives, urge elected leaders at all levels of government to pass meaningful gun reform legislation, and support efforts to keep guns off school campuses and out of communities.  

Hip Hop Caucus has been engaged for over a decade in advocacy and educational efforts to address the disproportionate effects and daily impacts of gun violence in vulnerable communities, including urban communities and communities of color. Hip Hop Caucus continues to engage in sustained advocacy focused on engaging local, state and federal government officials, grassroots organizations, cultural influencers, and community leaders in an effort to enact and improve policies to reduce and prevent gun violence.

Solutions to reducing gun violence also come from communities that experience it firsthand. That is why Hip Hop Caucus recently teamed up with the multi-platinum Grammy Award-winning recording artists Black Eyed Peas for the release of their new single and video, “Street Livin”, that drives awareness and a call to action on issues largely impacting communities of color, including gun violence. The call to action on gun violence for the project was put together in partnership with national organizations also led by millenials and people of color, to implement proven strategies to reduce gun violence in cities across the United States.

Respect My Vote! was first launched by Hip Hop Caucus in 2008 and has since engaged millions of people during election cycles throughout the United States. Through partnerships with nonprofits, businesses, media and entertainment companies, and celebrity spokespeople, the non-partisan campaign focuses on voter registration, voter education, get-out-the-vote, and voter rights. Spokespeople have included Vic Mensa, T.I., Charlamagne tha God, Keke Palmer, 2 Chainz, Amber Rose, Future, and hundreds of other artists and community leaders. 

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Press Note: Photo ops and in-person interviews available to reporters in Washington, DC, Charlotte NC, Detroit MI, Los Angeles CA, and New Orleans LA, or over the phone with national leaders and young people who have been personally impacted by gun violence and are organizing for solutions, action from lawmakers, and mobilizing their peers to the polls this November. Feel free to contact me to arrange an interview or cover our activities on Saturday (media@hiphopcaucus.org). Hip Hop Caucus is a national nonprofit, nonpartisan organization established in 2004 that uses the power of Hip Hop culture to engage and empower young people and communities of color in the civic and political process. Follow us @HipHopCaucus on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook. More at HipHopCaucus.org.

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Washington, D.C. – Mustafa Santiago Ali, Senior Vice President for Climate, Environmental Justice, & Community Revitalization at Hip Hop Caucus, issued the following statement in response to President Trump’s decision to shutdown the federal government.

“President Trump is failing America by choosing politics instead of people. He had the opportunity to support a bipartisan agreement, but chose not to. His decision is an affront to our democracy that will cause harm to the people he is supposed to serve.

Our most vulnerable communities are now at an even greater risk. His decision weakens America’s ability to fight the opioid epidemic, fix the pipes in Flint, and help our fellow citizens in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands recover and rebuild from record hurricanes. It also leaves 9 million kids who depend on the Children’s Health Insurance Program out in the cold and threatens the fate of 800,000 DREAMers who are family, friends, and hardworking members of our communities.

Make no mistake: the Trump shutdown is bad for everyone and could have been avoided. While our President continues to undermine our democracy, taxpayers, and communities, people are rising up to organize, take action, and hold our elected officials accountable. This is a critical time for our country and Hip Hop Caucus stands with the people and leaders that are using their power to move all of our communities from surviving to thriving.”

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More about Hip Hop Caucus and Mustafa Santiago Ali is on our new website and follow us @HipHopCaucus on social media (TW/FB/IG).  

Originally posted at 350.org

New Yorkers celebrate as NYC Mayor announces divestment from fossil fuels, files climate lawsuit

#DivestNY victory reverberates around the world as New Yorkers vow to keep up the fight for bold climate action

New York, NY — Today, following over five years of persistent campaigning from New Yorkers, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the City is moving forward with full fossil fuel divestment. The city’s five pension funds, a combined $191 billion, will divest $5 billion in securities from over 100 fossil fuel reserve owners.

New York’s announcement brings the total number of global divestment commitments to 810 institutions representing more than $6 trillion in assets.

“New York City today becomes a capital of the fight against climate change on this planet. With its communities exceptionally vulnerable to a rising sea, the city is showing the spirit for which it’s famous: it’s not pretending that working with the fossil fuel companies will somehow save the day, but instead standing up to them, in the financial markets and in court,” said Bill McKibben, co-founder of 350.org. “Ever since Sandy, New Yorkers understand the risk, especially for the poorest and most vulnerable. Now, thanks to Mayor de Blasio and his team, the city is fighting back, and in ways that will actually matter.”

In addition to this multi-billion-dollar hard-won divestment, Mayor de Blasio announced the City is launching a lawsuit against five major oil companies, including ExxonMobil, Chevron, BP, Shell, and ConocoPhillips for climate damages. With New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman investigating ExxonMobil, and seven municipalities across California fighting similar damage lawsuits, this announcement adds significant momentum to the #ExxonKnew campaign to hold fossil fuel corporations accountable for the role in climate destruction.

“New York City is standing up for future generations by becoming the first major city to divest our pension funds from fossil fuels,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “At the same time, we’re bringing the fight against climate change straight to the fossil fuel companies that knew about its effects and intentionally misled the public to protect their profits. As climate change continues to worsen, it’s up to the fossil fuel companies whose greed put us in this position to shoulder the cost of making New York safer and more resilient.”

“Today is a momentous day in the fight against corporate greed exploiting our communities and fueling climate chaos,” said Betámia Coronel, US Reinvestment Coordinator, 350.org. “While the oil-washed White House rolls back protections, New York City has leapt forward in modeling climate leadership. Divesting our city’s pensions from the dirtiest companies is an enormous hard-won first step; holding companies like Exxon accountable for their role in climate deception is next. Today’s announcement is a rallying signal to cities all over the world that the dawn of a fossil free world has arrived.”

This New York City announcement is sending ripples around the world, reinvigorating divestment fights from California to Japan and beyond. The San Francisco pension board is scheduled for a long-awaited divestment vote on January 24.

On January 31, the day after the State of the Union, 350.org is launching Fossil Free US, with leaders including Senator Bernie Sanders, Bill McKibben, Varshini Prakash, and Rev. Lennox Yearwood speaking at a livestreamed event in Washington D.C. to lay out the plan for the climate resistance in 2018 and beyond.

QUOTE SHEET:

Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr., President & CEO of Hip Hop Caucus, said, “Our communities are seeing the impacts of climate change more and more each day. Today, Mayor de Blasio took a necessary and imperative step to protect our communities now and planet for future generations by divesting from the fossil fuels causing climate change. Leaders at all levels of government around the country have the power and need to follow the example of New York City immediately. Superstorm Sandy, Hurricanes Harvey and Maria, massive wildfires — the urgency to act for the future of a habitable planet has never been greater. The time for action is now and we applaud the Mayor’s action today.”

Naomi Klein, author and activist, said, “Emanating from the financial capital of the world, the message of today’s historic announcement is unmistakable: investing in fossil fuel companies is a high-risk, bad bet. New York City is now leading cities and states to not only divest from fossil fuel companies but also insist that the corporations that profit from destabilizing our shared planet pay for the mess they knowingly created. As of today, the entire fossil fuel sector finds itself under a cloud of huge potential court-imposed costs, as well as the growing global momentum of investor flight. That means no matter how many oil and coal leases the Trump Administration hands out, the economics of new drilling will make less and less sense. This is very good news.”

Jonathan Westin, Executive Director, New York Communities for Change (NYCC), said, “Climate change is especially destructive to communities of color in the U.S. and globally. It’s time to defund corporations like ExxonMobil and all fossil fuel infrastructure and move rapidly to good jobs in a world powered by 100% renewable energy. The city’s actions announced today are the big, bold action we need to save our collective future from climate destruction.”

Michael Johnson, NYCC member & Sandy Survivor, said, “When Sandy came, I lost everything, so i am so proud that my City will stop financing climate destruction by divesting from oil and gas corporations like Exxon and begin a vital battle for justice in our court system,” said Michael Johnson, a member of New York Communities for Change and Sandy survivor from Coney Island. “With Trump taking the federal government backwards, it’s especially vital for cities and states to act; This is the type of bold action urgently needed to fight the accelerating climate crisis.”

Denise Patel, Coordinator, Divest Invest Network, said, “From global financial capital to a center for climate action, New York City’s leaders have created a watershed moment for the climate movement in a city devastated by Superstorm Sandy just five years ago. Today, under the leadership of Mayor De Blasio, Comptroller Stringer, and Public Advocate Letitia James through her unwavering support and leadership for divestment, New York City is taking aim at the heart of the fossil fuel industry and holding them accountable from the bow of resistance against the Trump Administration. We commend them for this bold move to protect all New Yorkers and the hard-earned pensions of the city’s workers.”

Lyna Hinkel, of 350NYC, said, “While the latest scientific studies confirm that rapid climate change is already upon us, the federal government is aggressively reversing the little progress we’ve made towards solving the crisis. It is enormously encouraging that on the local level Mayor de Blasio, Comptroller Stringer, and Public Advocate James are taking bold action and leading by example and that their leadership will not only safeguard the retirement income of NYC pensioners, but will opens the floodgates for other cities and states to get on board. Today is a good day for New York City and the rest of the planet.

Greg Young, Gloverville Supervisor and Elected Officials to Protect New York coordinator, said, “On behalf of 220 local officials from 50 counties, we applaud Mayor de Blasio and City Comptroller Stringer for aligning New York City’s investments with its climate leadership by divesting from fossil fuels. Not only is this imperative for climate change, it’s necessary to protect pensioners given that fossil fuels and climate change cost billions and threaten the stable future for retirees that pension funds are intended to provide. This sends a clear message that the era of fossil fuels is over, and now state and local governments across the country should follow New York City’s example.”

Tom Sanzillo, Former First Deputy State Comptroller and Current Director Finance of Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (ieefa.org),said, “The decision by the Mayor, Comptroller, union leaders and elected officials is a proper exercise of their financial responsibilities as trustees to the City pension systems. Oil and gas stocks were once world leaders. They are now laggards with weak revenues, weak markets for their products and a negative outlook. All three of the industries fail as investments. Industry leaders like ExxonMobil have also offered no turnaround plans to investors preferring instead to frustrate the efforts of independent outside reviewers like Attorney General Schneiderman. The legal actions contemplated by the City are overdue as management attempts to stop legally valid inquiries into corporate affairs is a serious matter worthy of shareholder action.”

Christopher Ito, CEO, Fossil Free Indexes, said, “We are pleased that the City of New York is including The Carbon Underground 200(TM) in its divestment plans for NYCERS and TRS. The decision to address the risks and opportunities of a transition to  clean energy reflects a growing trend among fiduciaries. FFI welcomes an opportunity to work with the city to implement a strategy that seeks to safeguard the benefits owed to plan participants.”

Carroll Muffett, President, Center for International Environmental Law, said, “Today’s announcements are a watershed in corporate accountability for climate change and a wakeup call to investors that the risks facing fossil fuel companies are real, material and rapidly growing. New York City joins a growing list of governments both within and beyond the United States determined to hold Exxon, Shell and other fossil fuel producers accountable for their role in the climate crisis. The announcements underscore the enormous financial risk facing Exxon and other fossil fuel companies in an era of energy transition and accelerating litigation.  In light of these risks, the decision to divest New York City’s public pensions from the world’s biggest fossil fuel producers by 2022 is a victory for New York pensioners. It is also a clarion call to other pension fund fiduciaries that fossil fuel investments are growing ever more toxic, and that the time left to protect their assets and their beneficiaries is limited.”

Fletcher Harper, GreenFaith, Executive Director, said, “It’s wrong for investors to profit from an industry that has recklessly endangered people and the planet for its own gain, and it’s patently unfair for the industry to shirk responsibility for the harm it has caused.  New York City is on the side of the angels with its dual announcement today.”

Dan Sherrell, Campaign Coordinator for NY Renews, said, “We commend Mayor de Blasio’s bold announcement that his office will be suing top fossil fuel companies for the massive harm they’ve caused to New Yorkers’ wellbeing and safety, including billions of dollars in damage to the city’s infrastructure suffered during Superstorm Sandy – a storm made deadly by climate change. Now we must extend that accountability beyond a single lawsuit, by passing a corporate polluter fee in New York State, so that all fossil fuel companies are made to pay for the true cost of their emissions. In the process, we could generate billions of dollars in revenue every year, to invest in renewable energy development and job creation—a Green New Deal for the Empire State. As Mayor de Blasio takes bold steps to begin holding fossil fuel companies accountable for their role in creating the greatest ecological crisis of our generation, Governor Andrew Cuomo should be taking note. It will be his responsibility to ensure that this ethic of accountability is enshrined at the state level, in the form of a corporate polluter fee.”

Mark Dunlea, former steering Committee member of 350 NYC, said, “As one of the global cities most threatened by climate change,it is appropriate that NYC is providing critical leadership on divestment Thanks to the thousands of citizen activists who have spent years in this struggle. We call upon State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli to join us,” said Mark Dunlea with Divest NY.”

Nancy Romer, Professional Staff Congress-CUNY, American Federation of Teachers local #2334 Environmental Justice Working Group and Professor Emerita, Brooklyn College said, “Victory for the climate movement! I am proud of labor’s support for divestment. Labor’s capacity to help keep the planet safe from catastrophic climate change is vast through its billions of dollars of pension funds that can be re-deployed to climate-friendly investments and through its political power.Let other unions in other places join us in our struggle to save our pensions and our planet! Let’s create a just transition to a renewable energy economy with good jobs for all.”

Mimi Bluestone, Co-Leader, 350Brooklyn said, “By suing Exxon, Chevron, Conoco, Shell, and BP, Mayor DeBlasio is showing true leadership in the struggle for a livable climate. These companies’ climate denial campaigns have deprived the world of an irreplaceable resource in this struggle: time. The mayor’s pledge to divest fossil fuel holdings from New York City’s largest pension is another crucial step toward climate sanity. As a retired NYC teacher, I look forward to the day when my pension money will no longer be invested in activities that threaten the future of the students I taught.”

Leslie Cagan from People’s Climate Movement – NY, said, “We applaud Mayor de Blasio, Comptroller Stringer, and Public Advocate Letitia James, for listening to the voices of the diverse and passionate New York City climate justice movement, and taking this tremendous step forward. In the face of Federal paralysis and hostility, New York City is boldly showing how cities can rise up and take the lead in keeping our planet habitable for future generations. Bravo!”

Stephen Heintz, President, Rockefeller Brothers Fund, and Valerie Rockefeller, Chair of the Board of Trustees, Rockefeller Brothers Fund, said, “The Rockefeller Brothers Fund is proud to stand alongside Mayor de Blasio and Comptroller Stringer in their historic commitment to divest the NYC pension funds from fossil fuels. In the void of federal leadership on climate, bold moves like this offer promise that the world can still win on climate. As one of the early members of Divest Invest Philanthropy, a global coalition of foundations committed to divesting from fossil fuels and investing in the clean, equitable energy future, we have validated our decision with higher returns, greater impact, and a clearer conscience. We welcome New York City to the movement.”

Josh Fox, Filmmaker, said, “For New York City, climate change is an existential crisis, a matter of life and death, of drowning or fighting, of truth vs falsehood and without question of PEOPLE vs the greedy and destructive fossil fuel industry.  Led by a popular organized grassroots uprising across the state, New York lead the world in banning fracking, a move that was championed in its early days by Scott Stringer.  We see the same kind of bold and necessary leadership in this move to divest today.  Future generations of New Yorkers will thank the Mayor and Comptroller, but this win belongs to the consistent and persistent organizing of ordinary citizens who rallied and spoke out for climate justice and the protection of people all over the globe. This is a bold call for coastal cities and communities across the US to divest from fossil fuels, get with the planet and resist the awful destructive policies of Donald Trump, the fossil fuel industry, the frackers, and their corrupt allies in government.”

Clara Vondrich, Global Director, DivestInvest Philanthropy, said, “From its start on a handful of US college campuses six years ago, the movement to divest from fossil fuels and invest in a fair and clean energy future has exploded into a global phenomenon. Today, New York City joins ranks with hundreds of institutional investors, managing assets of over $5.5 trillion, in deciding that fossil fuels are better left in the ground where they can’t burn hard-won pensions and portfolios. The opportunity to redirect that money to the technologies, industries and communities building an economy powered by 100% wind, water and sun — one that works for the many and not just the few — is not to be missed. Bravo to Mayor De Blasio and Comptroller Stringer for moving the world’s financial epicenter from darkness into light.”

Adrian Grenier, Actor, said, “How quickly the future is coming!? It’s certainly now here in New York. I’m so proud of my home town for divesting from oil, such a destructive and risky industry. I got out of oil and my portfolio has never been stronger. I’m glad that NY realizes that the free market is done with dirty fossil fuels, which is why renewables are outperforming in energy cost and efficiency. It’s the right thing to do for the people of this state, to protect their pensions from a pending crash in the oil market and all the inevitable environmental catastrophes that devastate our oceans, groundwater and the extreme weather brought on by too much carbon in the atmosphere.  But, most importantly, this is a win for people and the economy.”

Andy Morrison, Campaigns Director, New Economy Project, said, “We applaud New York City’s decision to divest its pension funds from fossil fuel companies. This bold step sets a precedent that other cities and states should follow, to ensure that public dollars are not fueling the climate crisis–which disproportionately harms frontline communities of color. We urge the City to commit to reinvesting these funds in ways that promote ecological sustainability, energy democracy, and equitable community economic development in NYC.”

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Press Contact: Thanu Yakupitiyage, 350.org U.S. Communications Manager, thanu@350.org, 413-687-5160

To view this statement online, visit: https://350.org/press-release/nyc-divests/

To view the Mayor’s press release, go here.

For more on the story of the #DivestNY campaign and key statistics, see HERE.

For more on #DivestNY, go to: divestny.org 

Hip Hop Caucus’ non-partisan initiative reaches young voters and voters of color with Virginia cultural influencers issuing a calls to action to register to  vote by October 16th deadline

Washington D.C. – Respect My Vote! kicked off a final push to make sure people across the Commonwealth are registered to vote ahead of the November 7th elections. The campaign is promoting young Virginia media, artist, activist and social media influencers as spokespeople.

Last Friday marked the 100th birthday of the civil rights leader Fannie Lou Hamer and the campaign joined the civil rights community to call for people to honor her by registering to vote. Rev Yearwood, Hip Hop Caucus President & CEO, wrote an op-ed in RVA Magazine connecting her spirit to the importance of voting in the upcoming Virginia elections. This year’s Virginia campaign is being lead by No Malice, formerly of the acclaimed rap duo The Clipse and Virginia Beach native. The deadline to register in Virginia is October 16th, and people can do so by visiting RespectMyVote.com.

For more information and to stay updated, check out:

• Read Rev Yearwood’s new op-ed in RVA Magazine
• New Website
• Register to Vote (October 16 deadline in Virginia)
• Sign-up for Updates
• Follow @HipHopCaucus on social media

Respect My Vote! was first launched in 2008 and has since engaged millions of people during election cycles throughout the United States . Through partnerships with nonprofits, businesses, media and entertainment companies, and celebrity spokespeople, the campaign focuses on voter registration, voter education, get-out-the-vote, and voter rights . Spokespeople have included Vic Mensa, T.I., Charlamagne tha God, Keke Palmer, 2 Chainz, Amber Rose, Future, and hundreds of other artists and community leaders. Respect My Vote! is a non-partisan, voter registration, education, and mobilization campaign of the Hip Hop Caucus

Formed in 2004, the Hip Hop Caucus (HHC) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that connects the Hip Hop community to the civic process to build power and create positive change. Through a collaborative leadership network and support of community-driven solutions, HHC focuses on addressing core issues affecting underserved and vulnerable communities. HHC hopes to establish the culture and practice of voting as part of a desired civic lifestyle, as well as empower and train leaders and volunteers from our communities to be strategic leaders, messengers, and spokespeople for issues critical to equality, justice, and opportunity . More at HipHopCaucus.org.

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MEDIA CONTACT: Mark Antoniewicz, mark@hiphopcaucus.org, 202-506-5882

At one of Hip Hop’s largest annual events, Hip Hop Caucus is working with activists, academics, and artists to drive social justice and environmental solutions through advocacy and non-partisan electoral organizing

Atlanta, Georgia – October 6, 2017 – This week at one of the world’s largest hip hop festivals,  Hip Hop Caucus has partnered with A3C to train and organize young people on the power of art, music, and hip hop culture advance social justice and civic engagement. Founded in 2005, A3C has grown from a local showcase to become one of the most important hip-hop events of the year, and is commonly referred to as “Hip-Hop’s Family Reunion.”

The Action Summit at A3C powered by Hip Hop Caucus is two days of dedicated programming at the Auburn Avenue Research Library in the center of the festival stages and events in Atlanta. The programing includes a series of events and workshops featuring activists, academics, and artists that explore how to best address social justice challenges through community driven solutions and develop actionable initiatives for young people. Three major tracks for the Action Summit are Police Reform, Getting Out the Youth Vote, and Climate Change and Environmental Justice.

As part of the Action Summit, Hip Hop Caucus joined forces with the Center for Civic Innovation for the A3C Action Pitch National Competition to find, support, and invest in new, innovative ideas that use hip-hop culture as a vehicle to advance social justice and civic engagement. Five finalists will do their final pitches in front of judges and a national audience at the A3C Action Summit this evening. Finalists are competing for $10,000 in cash and business development training. More information on the pitch competition can be found here.

“Social justice movements need innovation and need the energy of young people to drive bold agendas,” said Liz Havstad, COO and Executive Director of Hip Hop Caucus, who will be one of the judges of the Pitch Competition. “Hip Hop Caucus invests in creative communities and young people to be the drivers of change through advocacy and non-partisan electoral organizing, and we are proud to bring empowerment to cultural spaces like the A3C Festival and Conference.”

The Action Summit at A3C powered by Hip Hop Caucus will also feature keynotes from No Malice, formerly of the acclaimed rap duo The Clipse, and Mustafa Santiago Ali, Senior Vice President of Climate, Environmental Justice & Community Revitalization at Hip Hop Caucus.

“At this moment in our country, we must use hip hop – the artform and the culture – to help us organize our collective voices to create change,” said No Malice. “There is a moral voice in Hip Hop that speaks to injustice and struggle, and that is what we are tapping into at the Action Summit at A3C powered by Hip Hop Caucus, and it is what we are tapping into right now in my home state of Virginia to get young people out to vote in our election this November.”

For more information about Hip Hop Caucus at A3C, please visit www.HipHopCaucus.org/A3C and www.a3cfestival.com/action-summit. You can also continue the conversation with us on social media, @HipHopCaucus on everything.

MEDIA CONTACT: Mark Antoniewicz, mark@hiphopcaucus.org, 202-870-8476

ABOUT HIP HOP CAUCUS: Formed in 2004, the Hip Hop Caucus (HHC) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that connects the Hip Hop community to the civic process to build power and create positive change. Through a collaborative leadership network and support of community-driven solutions, HHC focuses on addressing core issues affecting underserved and vulnerable communities. HHC hopes to establish the culture and practice of voting as part of a desired civic lifestyle as well as empower and train leaders and volunteers from our communities to be strategic leaders, messengers, and spokespeople for issues critical to equality, justice, and opportunity.

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Landmark bill enhances public health and participation in our democracy, while empowering our most vulnerable communities facing hardships

Washington, D.C. – Mustafa Santiago Ali, Senior Vice President for Climate, Environmental Justice, & Community Revitalization at Hip Hop Caucus, released the statement below about The Environmental Justice Act of 2017, introduced yesterday by U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and U.S. Rep. Raul Ruiz, M.D. (D-CA). The bill protects against potential executive actions to rollback basic public health protections and public input in decision-making, requires federal agencies to address environmental justice through agency actions and permitting decisions, and strengthens legal protections against environmental injustice for communities of color, low-income communities, and indigenous communities.

“We applaud Senator Booker and Congressman Ruiz for introducing the Environmental Justice Act of 2017 and call for its passage. This is a vital piece of legislation introduced at a time when our most vulnerable communities are under extreme hardships due to the reckless decisions of the current Administration, impacts we are seeing right now from climate change, ongoing disproportionate impacts from air and water pollution, and improper use and disposal of toxic chemicals by industry.”

“The common sense proposals outlined in this bill come from over 25 years of stakeholder engagement and bipartisan input. The bill provides basic protections, legal resources, and tools to empower local communities so that they can take their communities from surviving to thriving.”

“By strengthening our most vulnerable communities, we strengthen America.”

More information about the bill can be found here.

Mustafa Santiago Ali, SVP at Hip Hop Caucus, announcing the bill with Senator Booker and Rep Ruiz – October 24, 2017

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About Hip Hop Caucus: Formed in 2004, Hip Hop Caucus (HHC) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that connects the Hip Hop community to the civic process to build power and create positive change. Through a collaborative leadership network and support of community-driven solutions, HHC focuses on addressing core issues impacting underserved and vulnerable communities . HHC hopes to establish the culture and practice of voting as part of a desired civic lifestyle, as well as empower and train leaders and volunteers from our communities to be strategic leaders, messengers, and spokespeople for issues critical to equality, justice, and opportunity. Learn more at HipHopCaucus.org. Follow HHC online @HipHopCaucus on all social media platforms.

About Mustafa Santiago Ali: Mustafa Santiago Ali joined Hip Hop Caucus after working 24 years at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), where he most recently served as Senior Advisor for Environmental Justice and Community Revitalization. Mr. Ali specializes in social and environmental justice issues and is focused on a utilizing a holistic approach to revitalizing vulnerable communities. As a renowned speaker, policy maker, community liaison, trainer, and facilitator, he has worked with over 500 domestic and international communities to improve people’s lives by addressing environmental, health, and economic justice issues.

Washington, D.C. – Mustafa Santiago Ali, Senior Vice President for Climate, Environmental Justice, & Community Revitalization at Hip Hop Caucus, released the statement below about EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt’s anticipated move to repeal the Clean Power Plan.

“This backwards move is another clear indication that fossil fuel industry corporations have taken control of the Environmental Protection Agency. It simply does not make sense for our pocketbooks and health. Unfortunately our most vulnerable communities will face the brunt of this irresponsible decision, including disproportionate health impacts, while rich corporations that have control over the EPA will reap the profits.”

“The Trump Administration is failing on its obligation to protect the planet for future generations by ignoring what science is telling us. Without cutting the carbon pollution fueling climate change, we are only going to see stronger storms and more wildfires like the disasters that continue to ravage our country. They are also ignoring the economic opportunities the clean energy economy presents us with, and instead, choose to double and triple down on an already dying industry. The clean energy economy is here and the rest of the world is moving on without us. This puts us at a tremendous economic disadvantage both home and abroad.”

“Hip Hop Caucus urges states to continue carrying out their own plans to cut emissions and transition to 100% clean energy for all. We also urge the public to participate in the upcoming opportunities to refute this irresponsible move through public comment. Instead of favoring polluters, we need to protect the health and prosperity of the American people. Please know that this dangerous move by Scott Pruitt will not be met without a fight.”

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About Hip Hop Caucus: Formed in 2004, the Hip Hop Caucus (HHC) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that connects the Hip Hop community to the civic process to build power and create positive change. Through a collaborative leadership network and support of community-driven solutions, HHC focuses on addressing core issues affecting underserved and vulnerable communities. HHC hopes to establish the culture and practice of voting as part of a desired civic lifestyle, as well as empower and train leaders and volunteers from our communities to be strategic leaders, messengers, and spokespeople for issues critical to equality, justice, and opportunity. Learn more at HipHopCaucus.org and by following @HipHopCaucus on social media platforms.

About Mustafa Santiago Ali: Mustafa Santiago Ali is a renowned national speaker, policy maker, community liaison, trainer, and facilitator. Mr. Ali specializes in social and environmental justice issues and is focused on a utilizing a holistic approach to revitalizing vulnerable communities. He joined the Hip Hop Caucus after working 24 years at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), where he most recently served as Senior Advisor for Environmental Justice and Community Revitalization. Throughout his career he has worked with over 500 domestic and international communities to improve people’s lives by addressing environmental, health, and economic justice issues.

Washington, D.C. – October 28, 2017 – Rev.  Lennox Yearwood Jr., President & CEO of Hip Hop Caucus, today released the statement below about the “Sandy5” march calling for leaders to take action on climate change and accelerate a just transition to clean energy. 

“We march to remember victims of Superstorm Sandy and say never again. We demand that our leaders act now to address the increasing impacts of climate change and help our communities move from surviving to thriving. Without cutting the carbon pollution fueling climate change, we are going to see stronger storms, like Sandy, Harvey, Irma, and Maria . We need to stop supporting the fossil fuel industry and stand up to the leaders at the federal, state, and local levels that value profit over people. Solutions to climate change exist and we can no longer wait to act – the time is now to protect our communities and the planet for future generations.”

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