Hip Hop Caucus on the Supreme Court’s Granting of the Trump Administration’s Request to Halt the Census Count

“This move will severely damage and create irreversible effects on our democracy”

LOS ANGELESAfter extending the deadline to count every person in America due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Trump administration reversed course, and the Supreme Court has now granted the administration’s emergency request to halt the census count by two weeks. Today, Hip Hop Caucus issued the following statement:

“Our highest court has decided to play politics with the fundamental right of every person in this country to be counted. We are now in a place where the Supreme Court is helping this administration alter our Census count,” said Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr., President and Founder of Hip Hop Caucus.

“This move will severely damage and create irreversible effects on our democracy. A shortened census will exacerbate underrepresentation of our most vulnerable populations for a generation. We will see a larger undercounting of communities of color, undocumented people, houseless individuals, poor and young people,” continued Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr.. “This decision will disproportionately reduce our communities’ representation in reallocated congressional seats and Electoral College votes for the next decade.

“Extending the census period is critical considering counting efforts in this unprecedented pandemic have prevented Census workers from going door-to-door as in previous decades. Halting the census is a cynical and unconscionable political ploy to further limit federal funding and political representation for the most vulnerable.” 

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Hip Hop Caucus is a national, non-profit and non-partisan organization that connects the Hip Hop community to the civic process to build power and create positive change.

Hip Hop Caucus Takes Respect My Vote! 2020: the Year of Truth Campaign on the Road

With just over a month until Election Day, the Hip Hop Caucus plans a virtual tour with rallies in Florida, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, and Virginia to mobilize voters.

Nationwide—Hip Hop Caucus, the political arm of Hip Hop, is taking its message to the streets between now and Election Day: “We will not let our Democracy die. The Hip Hop community will vote this November”.

The Hip Hop Caucus’ 2020 Respect My Vote! Campaign is the longest running, most successful Hip Hop voter mobilization campaign. This year’s campaign theme is “The Year of Truth,” and is focused on ensuring communities are able to vote amidst the COVID-19 crisis, formerly incarcerated people exercise their right to vote, and young people are inspired to vote on issues such as racial justice and climate justice.

“2020 is the year of truth. There has never been a more critical time than now for young Black, Indigenous and People of Color to vote,” said Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr., the President and Founder of Hip Hop Caucus. “Our democracy only works if we all participate. The Hip Hop community holds great power in our cultural expression, and we must bring that force to the polls. We will not let our democracy die.”

In addition to addressing COVID-19 safety concerns, the campaign is equipping voters with response strategies to combat voter suppression and is helping voters request and return mail-in ballots. The campaign is also debunking the myth that people convicted of a felony permanently lose their right to vote by educating the public on voter laws by state.

The campaign is focused on mobilizing the vote in five key states: Florida, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, and Virginia, and will make two stops in each location for its 2020 virtual tour and running an extensive digital engagement campaign. The digital engagement campaign includes a multi-platform strategy to reach voters in its target states, including digital ads targeting young millennial and Gen Z voters. The events on the virtual tour will include a lineup of speakers, artists and performers including Dr. Yusef Salaam of the Exonerated 5, who will address the issue of felony disenfranchisement and ensure formerly incarcerated persons are aware of and exercise their voting rights in this crucial election.

Salaam will ask voters to sign a Respect My Vote! petition to end felony disenfranchisement, calling for everyone with a record to be able to vote, and will direct people to the Respect My Vote! website where returning citizens can find out what their voting rights are in their state.

“Voting is not only the pillar of our democracy, but it is a symbol of our humanity. Allowing formerly incarcerated individuals the right to vote helps restore the humanity to those of us who were relegated to second class citizens through the criminal justice system,” said Dr. Yusef Salaam.

“This is Jim Crow’s lasting legacy at the ballot box,” continued Salaam. “We won’t let the system take our voices any longer.  I am happy to work with the Hip Hop Caucus to bring awareness to disenfranchisement. It is time to eliminate such racially biased obstacles to voting once and for all.”

2020 Respect My Vote! National Tour: The Year of Truth Campaign Events and Dates:

National Tour: https://respectmyvote.com/2020-tour/

Florida

Georgia

Michigan

North Carolina

Virginia

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About Hip Hop Caucus: Established in 2004, 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 and partnership network, Hip Hop Caucus addresses core issues impacting young people, underserved, and vulnerable communities. Hip Hop Caucus programs and campaigns support solution-driven community organizing led by today’s young leaders. Learn more at HipHopCaucus.org and follow @hiphopcaucus on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

About the Respect My Vote! Campaign: Initially launched in 2008, the campaign received participation from influential voices in Hip Hop culture such as T.I., 2 Chainz, Keke Palmer, Charlamagne Tha God, Angela Simmons and Amber Rose amongst many others.

This campaign has focused on long-term goals such as establishing voting as part of young people’s civic lifestyle and motivating young people to be voices and activists for justice, equity, and sustainability. For more information about the Respect My Vote! campaign, to sign up to volunteer, and to get informed voting laws by state, please visit www.respectmyvote.com.

S2 Ep 33: Young, Elected, & Black w/ Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

 Everything is intersectional and interdisciplinary. Systems of injustice work in tandem, and we must work together so we do not recreate or internalize them. Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta is the first openly LGBTQ+ person of color and one of the youngest members elected to the Pennsylvania General Assembly. We caught up with him to discuss multi-issued causes, voter suppression, and a Just Transition. Listen now! More at TheCoolestShow.com and @Think100Climate.  #RespectMyVote #JustTransition #Think100

Portable Air Purifier, EraClean Car Air Purifier- Clean Air For Safe Travels

Air purifiers are on the rise, partly as a response to issues on air quality. While your home is created to provide you shelter, many of us are spending far more time inside your home than generations past. So, you might be revealed to more indoor particles and also pollutants that can induce or exacerbate lung-related diseases.
Despite their promises, are air purifiers a dependable solution to eliminate indoor pollutants? The short answer is indeed, somewhat. Continue reading to figure out how these gadgets work and also whether they’re worth taking into consideration.
How air purifier works
Air cleaners basically function by sanitizing the air, which may include pollutants, allergens, and toxins. They’re the exact opposite of essential oil diffusers and humidifiers, which add particles to interior air.
Air purifiers also act differently than filters. While filters just remove airborne particles, cleaners can sterilize them too. The specific fragments removed by an air purifier eventually depends upon the type you choose. Certain versions are made with filters to trap particles as air runs through them, while others may neutralize other bits airborne without filtering them initially.
One more alternative is a negative ion releasing air purifier. Some HEPA filters are now infused with silver which is a natural antibacterial(https://www.bestandfirst.com/product-category/antibacterial/), antiviral, and antifungal agent. The disadvantage to this choice is the possibility of producing ozone.
Do air purifiers really work?
The short answer is of course– however, an air cleaner most likely won’t eliminate or reduce the effects of all aggravating particles where you remain. This is because lots of fragments can remain on soft surfaces, such as furnishings, seat, and carpeting, as well as difficult surfaces, such as your wall surfaces.
An air cleaner may serve as a complement to a filter as well as other methods to aid remove the complying with fragments.
Benefits of using Car Air Purifier(www.bestandfirst.com/product-category/car-air-purifier/)
While medicines for allergic reactions and bronchial asthma can minimize signs and also avoid reactions, air purifiers may get rid of the source of your symptoms to begin with. After continued use, there’s a possibility that you might experience less allergic reactions and bronchial asthma symptoms.
Nonetheless, this isn’t a substitute for your medicines, and also it’s still vital to stop the annoying particles from entering into your home first.
What they will not help
While air purifiers can help clean the air indoor, they have a tendency to work more effectively when incorporated with a filter.
There’s likewise the dimension of cleaner to take into consideration. A larger system is optimal if you’re trying to obtain cleaner air for your entire space. Or else, you might need several smaller or portable purifiers for multipurpose.
Regardless of their potential advantages, air purifiers might be futile if you don’t take other actions to produce cleaner air, too. They just eliminate particle levels in the air, but will not help a lot when these particles rest on surface areas. You need a vacuum cleaner first!
Whether it is your desktop, room or car, there is no demand to withstand contaminated, irritant loaded air ever again! Simply put these pint sized, portable air purifiers right into your luggage or place it on your workstation desktop.
Because even the best Air Conditioner filters are not able to quit airborne microbial contaminants, the remedy to getting rid of the airborne microbial threat is to get tried and accurate laboratory-grade ultraviolet light area air purification systems from an on-line seller, considering that lab quality UV light bulbs have actually been revealed over and over in numerous researches to be highly germicidal, antibacterial(https://www.bestandfirst.com/product-category/antibacterial/), antiviral as well as sporicidal (destroying of spores such as mould and mildew and hazardous spore-producing bacteria in addition to disinfecting surfaces).
How to Choose a Portable Air Purifier
What are the points you should maintain in mind to choose best air purifier? It obviously could be a confusing point to acquire. An air cleaner is an individual purchase, however, there are some factors you need to think about in a decent air purifier.
Air Cleaning Technology
There are a ton of filters that air purifiers include, and not all useful for you. According to the needs of your location, you should determine which filter to search for. A HEPA filter is typically great for cleaning incredibly tiny particles and is necessary to have in your filter. In addition, if one smokes, then it is vital to purchase an air cleaner that has a activated carbon filter to eliminate the smoke as well as smell left behind from cigarette smoke.
Size and Portability
Industrial-sized air cleaning systems are tough to store, difficult to clean, as well as tough to relocate. Therefore, it is suitable to invest in an air purifier which is portable if you require to relocate from room to room. The bigger the purifier, the more difficult it is to blend in with your surroundings. Specifically, if you are staying in a small space, it is far better to invest in a portable air cleaner.
What About Antibacterial Air Cleaner?
The very best antimicrobial air sanitizers are remarkably cost-effective and will place cashback in your pocket. Purchasing a leading ranked germicidal air sanitizer will help reduce or eliminate colds and also influenza. This will conserve you a lot of cash and time not having to go to the medical professional or get medications. Besides assistance, you feel much better, live healthier and enhance your total quality of life. There are various kinds of budget-friendly and effective indoor antibacterial(https://www.bestandfirst.com/product-category/antibacterial/)air sanitizers for sale that utilize various modern technologies to remove viruses, bacteria, bacteria, mold and mildew, mold, and other bacteria. All air sanitizers, nevertheless, to be efficient, have to kill microorganisms at a cellular level. This is why conventional air cleaners do not work. You can not just trap bacteria. To effectively eliminate infections, microorganisms, bacteria as well as other microbes, you have to kill them. This why it is important before acquiring an indoor air cleaner or purifier, if you want an antimicrobial air sanitizer, to check out the summary as well as see to it that the system uses a tested and also reliable antibacterial/germicidal technology, instead of or in addition to a standard air filtering system, to kill bacteria, germs, infections as well as other microbes. Making certain the air sanitizer you purchase as an effective antimicrobial air cleansing system, it is also vital to get an infection, microorganisms, germ, mildew and mold murder air cleanser that is ideal for the size of the area it is to sanitize. Inevitably, all of the premier air sanitizer makers are really effective. Relying on the size of the room and your own preferences, figures out which sort of interior germicidal air sanitizer available for sale online is best for you. Suppose you get an antibacterial(https://www.bestandfirst.com/product-category/antibacterial/) air sanitizer that does not likewise have a built-in HEPA and triggered carbon filter. In that case, it is very important to bear in mind that it is an antimicrobial air cleaner made to kill bacteria and microorganisms, viruses as well as other microbes. Air sanitizers that are totally antimicrobial air purifiers will certainly not trap and eliminate airborne particles and chemical contaminants. For the very best feasible indoor air quality, you intend to integrate a leading-rated and reliable antimicrobial air sanitizer, with a top-quality typical air purification/filtration system.
Here are three recommendations:
Levoit LV H-126 Purifier with True HEPA Filter
This Levoit version is a bargain. It is a terrific air purifier to take care of severe conditions. This suggests that it can be ideal for a home with several family pets, or a baby room, in general, any place with truly poor air quality.
The design is elegant and also eye-catching which makes it a decent condition to any environment. It is lightweight to make it easier to bring from room to room, to travel with, or even provide it as a present. Along with being fashionable and portable, it also has anti-skip pads below, making it secure to keep on a workdesk or rack. All of this means it has a superb design.
The functions are what make it the really ideal of its kind. This air purifier has a three-stage filtering system. The pre-HEPA, HEPA, as well as carbon filter all work in mixed to eliminate dirt, smoke, plant pollen, pet dander, germs, and odors, etc. by as much as 99.9%. It can quickly filter  as small as 0.3 particle-levels microns and comes with three fan speeds, slow-moving, medium, and quickly. You can easily adjust the settings according to your choice by just turning a dial.
Additionally, it will call for some maintenance in the form of transforming filters routinely. For included convenience, it has one more attribute which is the filter pointer wheel. You can mark the month you place in a brand-new filter and also the month you require to change them for your ease. Isn’t that smart?
GermGuardian Air Conditioning 4825
This is a fantastic design by Germguardian. It is a very efficient tool overall and also can handle a lot of pollutants with great ease. The actual layout of it is trendy and makes it excellent to look at. This isn’t one of those cumbersome air purifying units which are difficult to move as well as occupy a great deal of your room. It is, actually, lightweight as well as portable. It has a 22-inch tower style which is best utilized for rooms up to 127 sq.ft.Apart from the superb design, this air purifier features modern technology which could remove pollutants of various kinds. The HEPA filter captures dirt as well as irritants approximately 99.97 %. This could be a lifesaver for individuals with allergies or dealing with asthma.
There is one more filter, called the charcoal filter, which is suitable for catching odors. As a result, it would be fantastic to keep in the cooking area or in the washroom to get rid of the smells. There is another optional UV-C technology which works with titanium dioxide to get rid of the germs, mildews, and infections.
This features three fan setups, therefore, it can be adapted to your choices. It can circulate room air 4x per hour. This system has a CADR of 108 for smoke, 118 for dust, as well as 125 for pollen, which is considerable. The higher the CADR, the faster the air is filtered. This likewise comes with an ultra-quiet setting which can be achieved by setting the fan at the lowest speed.
EraClean Car Air Purifier Refresher Portable, Removes pollution, Cigarette Smoke, Pet And Food Odor
(https://www.bestandfirst.com/product/best-first-eraclean-portable-air-purifier-for-car/)
If you are somebody trying to find a great air cleaner for your car, after that this EraClean Car Air Purifier(https://www.bestandfirst.com/portfolio/eraclean/) can be a wonderful financial investment. This is a great purchase for anyone who requires to eliminate smells from their cars which can occur if you go to the gym regularly, have children, pets, or smoke in the vehicle. It is likewise a good option if you are allergic and also require a cleaner for your vehicle.
Its design contributes to its excellence. It has an overall stylish layout which would not disrupt the look of the interior of your car. It additionally has an all-black glossy exterior with a red LED which adds an extra modern-day vibe to your vehicle.
It is much more than simply looks, it even executes splendidly. It kills bacteria by producing risk-free quantities of ozone and 5 million negative ion concentration for vehicle safely. The HEPA air filter additionally captures dust, pollen, germs, and so on. In addition, it is quiet and comfortable under working mode.
Like various other indoor airborne toxins, when dangerous microbes are not killed or gotten rid of with the very best germicidal as well as antibacterial(https://www.bestandfirst.com/product-category/antibacterial/) air sanitizer system, germs, bacteria, infections, mildew, mold as well as various other microorganisms obtain entrapped inside your home as well as build up.

Hip Hop Caucus brings Ain’t Your Mama’s Heat Wave to Sundance Film Festival

Ain't Your Mama's Heat Wave

A comedy special and documentary show relevance of climate crisis for communities of color, inspiring media makers and creatives of color to tell more climate stories

PARK CITY, UTAH – Hip Hop Caucus Think 100% FILMS is providing the first look of its innovative and powerful climate-comedy film Ain’t Your Mama’s Heat Wave at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival. The preview is taking place during an event Hip Hop Caucus is co-hosting at the MACRO Lodge, a hub for creatives of color at the festival. The film and event seek to connect the climate crisis to young and diverse audiences by increasing the number of culturally relevant climate stories being told and created by people of color.

Ain’t Your Mama’s Heat Wave is a gripping right now story of communities that are grappling with the climate crisis and the present day consequences of historic injustices and inequality. The film is centered on four young black stand up comedians, hailing from Norfolk, Atlanta, Chicago, and Ohio, and tells the story of their journey to the Hampton Roads region of Virginia to “make the climate crisis funny”. Things are not so funny when it’s clear the threats are so real and can mean life or death. But, in the African American tradition of struggle, resilience, and triumph in the face of existential threat, the joy of comedy, music, art, and dance informs and empowers. Full of relatable stories, grit, and beauty, the film shows that the climate crisis is much more than a crisis; it’s an opportunity for us to right wrongs and make life on this planet better for everyone.

“At a time when the stakes couldn’t be higher for our communities and planet, we are turning to storytellers to inspire people to act,” said Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr., President & CEO of Hip Hop Caucus. “We need as many creatives and media makers in the climate movement as there are scientists, policy experts, and organizers. And this is especially important for people of color who are disproportionately impacted by the climate crisis and are too often left out of the narrative on climate. Our powerful stories need to be told and the talent of creatives of color needs to be supported if we are going to solve the climate crisis. We thank MACRO Studios for hosting Ain’t Your Mama’s Heat Wave and Hip Hop Caucus at Sundance.”

The extended preview of the film is being shown at MACROLodge as part of “The New Climate Narrative: A forum for creatives who are solving the climate crisis”, an event co-hosted by Hip Hop Caucus, The Solutions Project, The Climate Mobilization, and NAACP. The event includes an intimate conversation about the solutions for the climate crisis from those disproportionately on the frontlines – communities of color and indigenous communities — with a lineup of speakers and panelists that includes Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr. (Hip Hop Caucus), Jacqueline Patterson (Climate and Environmental Director, NAACP), Favianna Rodriguez (Culture Strike), Thomas Lopez (The International Indigenous Youth Council and Future Coalition), Margaret Klein Salamon (The Climate Mobilization), and Kat Steyer (Business and Philanthropic Leader).

If you are a member of the media and would like a first look at the Ain’t Your Mama’s Heat Wave trailer, sign up here.

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Media Contact: Mark Antoniewicz | e: media@hiphopcaucus.com | p: 202-740-1177

About Hip Hop Caucus: Established in 2004, 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 and partnership network, Hip Hop Caucus addresses core issues impacting young people, underserved, and vulnerable communities. Hip Hop Caucus programs and campaigns support solution-driven community organizing led by today’s young leaders. Learn more at HipHopCaucus.org and follow @hiphopcaucus on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. For more about Hip Hop Caucus’ climate communications platform, visit Think100climate.com.

Hip Hop Caucus Statement on Kobe and Gianna Bryant

LOS ANGELES, CA – In response to the news about the tragic accident that killed NBA legend Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven other members of the Greater Los Angeles community, Mark Antoniewicz, Hip Hop Caucus Director of Communications, issued the following statement:

“This hurts. We mourn the losses of Kobe and Gianna Bryant immensely. Kobe was a legendary icon of our culture. His talents and spirit transcended generations, borders, and races. He personified hard work and dedication – both on and off the court – most importantly as a father. Both he and Gigi had so much ahead of them. We offer our sincerest condolences to the families of everyone lost in the tragic accident. May they all rest in power and let us continue to carry their spirits with us.”

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Media Contact: Mark Antoniewicz | e: media@hiphopcaucus.com | p: 202-740-1177

About Hip Hop Caucus: Established in 2004, 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 and partnership network, Hip Hop Caucus addresses core issues impacting young people, underserved, and vulnerable communities. Hip Hop Caucus programs and campaigns support solution-driven community organizing led by today’s young leaders. Learn more at HipHopCaucus.org and follow @hiphopcaucus on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.