Category: Press

WASHINGTON — Today, Hip Hop Caucus Assistant Director for the Respect My Vote! Campaign, Christopher Walton, issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision to reverse a lower court’s decision barring the use of a racially segregated congressional district map in South Carolina that unconstitutionally diluted Black voting power:

“The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in the Alexander v. South Carolina Conference of the NAACP, which had been dragged out for months, only further pushes down the Black community in South Carolina from having its voice heard. By systemically pushing Black voters into an already majority Black voting district, South Carolina is just the latest example of modern voter suppression tactics being validated by the high court. This decision shows that Jim Crow ideologies are alive and being wielded in the name of political opportunity. 

Hip Hop Caucus unequivocally believes that all voices and votes should be heard and respected. We also stand for the courts  as well as the Department of Justice playing a pivotal role in reviewing claims of racial gerrymandering. Therefore, Hip Hop Caucus strongly disagrees with Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas’ concurring opinion that advocates for ignorance in support of White Supremacy. Our system of checks and balances is critical for a fair democracy and for challenging efforts to block and suppress the votes of Black voters and other communities of color.

Hip Hop Caucus will continue to support the passage of the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and the Freedom to Vote Act, and will continue to advocate for fair independent redistricting and equal voting rights for all.”

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WASHINGTON — Today, Hip Hop Caucus Economic Justice Director Stephone Coward issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s 7-2 decision upholding the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s funding mechanism, rejecting a Constitutional challenge brought by the payday loan industry:

“The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is an important entity for communities of color and has been able to hold corporations, industries, states, and nations accountable for choosing profit over people. This surprising decision allows the CFPB to maintain its independence from the political back and forth of Congress, and we love to see it.” 

For too long, Wall Street has been able to run rampant without meaningful consequences. Wall Street’s historical lack of vision to see that prioritizing people and profit is not mutually exclusive has created a permission structure for Big Banks to feel emboldened to devalue too many Black, Brown and Indigenous communities and consumers as not profitable. As a result, banking deserts persist in many of these communities, leaving predatory lenders in the form of payday loan centers, check cashing stores, and pawn shops to fill the vacuum.

This ruling reaffirms the fact that economic justice and racial justice are inextricably linked and we look forward to continuing our work in coalition with those who advocate for an economy that works for everyone and for financial institutions that address economic inequalities.”

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WASHINGTON — Today, Hip Hop Caucus Assistant Director for the Respect My Vote! Campaign, Christopher Walton, issued the following statement in response to the recent federal district court decision in Louisiana delaying the addition of a second majority-Black Congressional district in the state’s congressional map:

“The Black population of Louisiana is being denied a fair, representative voice in state-wide elections by attempts to prevent adding a second majority-Black district to the state’s Congressional voting map. Unequal representation, much like justice delayed, is representation denied. The Hip Hop Caucus stands against political and legal gamesmanship while Black lives are on the line from environmental injustices and voter disenfranchisement, which go hand-in-hand in Louisiana.

It’s really simple math — just like in Alabama. A third of Louisiana’s population is Black and Louisiana has six Congressional districts. However, currently only one Congressional seat serves a majority Black population. Therefore, developing and approving a geographically-cohesive second district should not be complicated. This case, which is weaponizing section 2 of the Voting Rights Act against the Black communities in Louisiana, goes to show precisely why Section 4 of the Act is still necessary and should be reinstated. The people should not have to wait another election cycle for a new Congressional map that reflects the diversity of Louisiana and empowers the will of the people.”

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Oldest son River Yearwood a part of Paul Smith’s College spring 2024 graduating class

WASHINGTON — Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr., the President & CEO of Hip Hop Caucus, is set to deliver empowering commencement addresses at two distinguished institutions this May. On May 11, Yearwood will take the stage at Paul Smith’s College to address graduates, faculty, and guests, followed by a speech at The Piney Woods School commencement on May 25.

Known for his dynamic delivery and impassioned advocacy, Rev. Yearwood Jr. is a visionary leader, community activist, and one of the most innovative advocates and strategists for racial justice and climate justice.

Rev. Yearwood Jr.’s oldest son River Yearwood is a spring 2024 Paul Smith’s College graduate and will attend the ceremony.

“I’m inspired by this next generation of leaders and it is an honor to be invited to share with the graduates at Paul Smith’s College and The Piney Woods School on such a momentous occasion,” said Rev. Yearwood Jr., President & CEO of Hip Hop Caucus. “And being able to deliver a commencement speech the day my child is graduating from one of the finest institutions of higher learning, makes me the proudest parent in the world.”

Paul Smith’s College is a private institution located in the heart of the Adirondacks in Paul Smiths, New York, and prepares students to lead sustainable careers and a sustainable planet.

The Piney Woods School is a co-educational independent historically African-American boarding school for grades 9–12 in Piney Woods, Mississippi. It is the last remaining Black boarding school in America. 

Rev. Yearwood Jr. is the host of the award-winning climate and environmental justice podcast The Coolest Show and Senior Advisor of Bloomberg Philanthropies Beyond Petrochemicals Campaign. He is a White House Champion of Change for climate leadership and according to Rolling Stone he is a “New Green Hero.” 

Paul Smith’s College’s spring 2024 commencement will be livestreamed for those not able to join in person. 

For more information or to schedule an interview with Rev. Yearwood Jr., contact media@hiphopcaucus.org.

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About Hip Hop Caucus

Formed in 2004, the Hip Hop Caucus (HHC) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that leverages Hip Hop culture to encourage young people to participate in the democratic process. Through a collaborative leadership network, HHC addresses core issues affecting underserved communities. HHC programs and campaigns support solution-driven community organizing led by today’s young leaders.

U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock and Representative Summer Lee awarded for climate and environmental justice leadership

WASHINGTON – Hip Hop Caucus, a national nonprofit organization that harnesses the power of art, culture, and community-driven advocacy to advance social justice, recognized Congressional environmental justice champions U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and U.S. Representative Summer Lee (D-PA) with the 2024 A. Donald McEachin award at a reception on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, May 1, 2024. 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 proud to recognize Senator Warnock and Representative Lee as fierce Congressional champions in support of climate and environmental justice, as we honor the pioneering leadership and legacy of the late Congressman A. Donald McEachin, said Rev Yearwood Jr., President & CEO of Hip Hop Caucus. “Their collective efforts directly address toxic pollution and systemic environmental injustices which we know disproportionately affects Black, Latinx and Indigenous communities. As Hip Hop Caucus celebrates twenty years of using cultural expression to drive political and social change, we look forward to continuing collaboration with bipartisan Congressional leaders to address climate and environmental harms and enact sustainable solutions.” 

Senator Raphael Warnock is a fierce and consistent advocate for climate and environmental justice. Senator Warnock cast a consequential vote for the Inflation Reduction Act, introduced the Solar Energy Manufacturing for America Act to advance the transition to clean energy, and collaborated with Senator Jon Ossoff to secure funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to protect Georgia families from potential lead exposure and poisoning.

Representative Lee was inspired to run for political office to fight for environmental justice. Representative Lee introduced and passed through committee the Bipartisan Abandoned Well Remediation Act which addresses the impact of methane emissions from abandoned oil and gas wells in Pennsylvania. Representative Lee has also co-sponsored several pieces of climate and environmental justice legislation, including the Environmental Justice For All Act, the Fossil Free Finance Act, and the Future Generations Protection Act.

Remarks at The A. Donald McEachin Environmental Justice Reception will be delivered by Hip Hop Caucus President & CEO Rev Yearwood Jr. and recording artist and Hip Hop Caucus’ Artist Relations Director and Cultural Producer Dawn Richard, among other special guests.

The Inaugural A. Donald McEachin Awards, held last year on Capitol Hill, honored Congressional environmental justice champions U.S. Senator Cory Booker and Representatives Barbara Lee and Raúl Grijalva.

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.

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WASHINGTON — Today, Hip Hop Caucus’ Senior Director of Campaigns and Advocacy Russell Armstrong issued the following statement in response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s final rules that aim to reduce pollution from fossil fuel-fired power plants:

“Hip Hop Caucus is happy to see these more stringent guidelines for coal plants as well as for air toxics and mercury that choke our communities. However, while these rules will help lower emissions and curtail adverse health impacts, we still have questions on the acknowledged over reliance on carbon capture as the technology for removal — even if not explicitly stated. Environmental justice communities continue to raise concerns about carbon capture and storage, and will continue to push for more upfront and consistent involvement. 

As these regulations to clean up large and intermediate power plants, located disproportionately in BIPOC communities, are enforced, we look forward to being a partner and watchdog for good governance.”

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Podcast will explore urban greening, artivism, the evolution of slave plantations to petrochemical hubs in Louisiana’s Cancer Alley, 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 six today on Apple Podcasts 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. 

To kick off Earth Month, the season six premiere features a conversation with The Coolest Show host Rev Yearwood Jr. and the Founder and Executive Director of Great Plains Action Society Sikowis Nobiss. In this episode, they discuss the layers of Indigenous identity, the pollution that’s changing the Mississippi River, and the resulting impacts on local water supplies in BIPOC communities. Listen to the season premiere here.

“This season, ‘The Coolest Show’ is bringing in new voices, who from varying their perspectives, build on the central idea that climate and environmental justice isn’t achieved without racial justice,” said host of ‘The Coolest Show’ Rev Yearwood. “During this critical election year, we explore the role of artists in the movement, the connections between slavery and environmental degradation in Cancer Alley, and the legislative efforts that aim to roll back climate progress. From across regions and cultures, we are uplifting creative ideas about how we work together to build systems and ways of being that liberate Black, Brown and Indigenous communities and support the well-being of the planet and of us all.” 

With over 200 episodes across five 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.

In a distressing turn of events, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has signed into law a bill obstructing critical police reform measures inspired by the Death in Custody killing of Tyre Nichols at the hands of five Memphis police officers. This law undermines local autonomy and perpetuates racial inequities within Tennessee’s legislative framework. Governor Lee’s endorsement of this legislation reflects a troubling pattern of systemic injustice, particularly prevalent in the American South, where State lawmakers seek to bind local governments’ abilities to advance reform efforts by silencing voters impacted by police violence. Hip Hop Caucus strongly condemns Governor Lee’s actions and stands in solidarity with communities impacted by this decision. We will continue to monitor the progress of the federal trial of the four remaining officers and will push State and local governments to prioritize policies that promote justice, equity, and empowerment for all.

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WASHINGTON — Today, Hip Hop Caucus’ Senior Director of Campaigns and Advocacy Russell Armstrong issued the following statement in response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s new pollution standards for passenger cars, light-duty trucks and medium-duty vehicles:

“Although it’s not everything we wanted to see to push for a cleaner environment faster, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) final rules to reduce emissions are still a big step in the right direction. In the U.S., transportation accounts for a quarter of the planet warming emissions speeding us past the 1.5 degree threshold established under the Paris Agreement. Cars and light duty trucks are a big part of our transportation sector and so pushing the industry to manufacture more affordable clean cars is a benefit to our communities. However, trucks and heavy industry on highways and ports that cut through Black and Brown communities due to redlining account for just 10 percent of vehicles on the road, yet contribute disproportionately to hazardous air pollutants, including 63% of NOx pollution. 

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. Therefore, the Hip Hop Caucus applauds this major step in the right direction despite opposition. We will be watching to see if the Administration continues to push for clean heavy duty trucks too despite opposition from the trucking industry and we will keep fighting against dirty vehicles until there are clean cars for all.”

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