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 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.”

###

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.

###

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.

###

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.”

###

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.

# # #

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.”

###

Multi-year economic and environmental justice effort aims to strengthen frontline communities and disempower mass incarceration and systemic environmental racism

DALLAS — Hip Hop Caucus is launching a new economic and environmental justice campaign, Bank Black and Green, which encourages Black-owned banks to commit against funding the fossil fuel industry and mass incarceration and deploy capital to frontline communities of color. The Bank Black and Green campaign’s official launch and reception will take place during TD Jakes’ International Leadership Summit on Thursday, March 21 from 5 PM. – 9 PM CT at The Black Academy of Arts and Letters in Dallas, Texas.

The multi-year Bank Black and Green campaign aims to increase economic resources for frontline communities of color and encourages value-based impact investors to shift financial capital to Black-owned banks. The campaign also engages communities served by the Black banks to ensure their preparedness for accessing green capital. 

“It is a privilege to take the #BankBlack movement into its next phase by launching the Bank Black & Green Campaign,” said Stephone Coward II Hip Hop Caucus’ Economic Justice Director and Cofounder of BankBlackUSA. “Economic justice, racial justice, gender justice, climate, and environmental justice are inextricably linked. Our goal is to change banking for good by strengthening the economic power of frontline communities of color and reducing economic disparities while disempowering systems of mass incarceration and environmental pollution.”

In collaboration with the National Bankers Association and the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs, the Bank Black and Green campaign is organizing Black-owned banks in the United States through a pledge to commit to investing in the public health and safety of Black, Brown and Indigenous communities, and to shift millions of dollars of green lending and capital to the communities they serve – which are often first and worst impacted by economic and environmental injustice. 

The Bank Black and Green official launch and reception will feature a conversation with RaShonda Young, CEO of Bank of Jabez and Nicole Elam, President and CEO of the National Bankers Association. The conversation will be moderated by advisor and entrepreneur Aaron Craig Mitchell.

Bank Black and Green is a campaign led by Hip Hop Caucus’ economic justice platform ‘Justice Paid in Full.’ 

For more information about Bank Black and Green, visit www.bankblackandgreen.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 Bank Black and Green

Bank Black and Green is a campaign led by Hip Hop Caucus’ economic justice platform ‘Justice Paid in Full.’ It’s a multi-year campaign encouraging Black-owned banks to commit against funding the fossil fuel industry and mass incarceration and deploy capital to frontline communities of color. To increase resources for frontline communities of color, Bank Black and Green also encourages value-based impact investors to shift financial capital to Black-owned banks. Learn more at www.bankblackandgreen.com.

Heman M. Sweatt Award bestowed to committed change agents using their legal acumen for greater good

WASHINGTON – Hip Hop Caucus is proud to celebrate Tanya Clay House, Executive Vice President of Government Affairs and Public Policy, who has been selected as an Heman M. Sweatt Award recipient at the National Bar Association’s 44th Annual Midyear Conference. Tanya Clay House will be honored at the Heman M. Sweatt Awards Luncheon on Friday, March 8, 2024, from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM at the JW Marriott Houston in Houston, TX.

The Heman M. Sweatt Award recognizes outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to the legal profession and social justice advocacy. Tanya Clay House’s tireless dedication to advancing civil rights, promoting equity, and empowering communities has earned her this prestigious recognition.

As a graduate of the University of Texas School of Law, the Heman M. Sweatt Award is particularly heartwarming because Heman Sweatt helped make it possible for me and others that look like me, to not only attend the University of Texas, but many other law schools at that time,” said Tanya Clay House, Executive Vice President, Government Affairs and Public Policy at Hip Hop Caucus. “His seminal Supreme Court case – Sweatt v. Painter – successfully challenged the separate but equal doctrine and was the precursor to Brown v Board. As the daughter of a public school teacher, I have always treasured the importance of a quality public school education and the promise of racial equality in our society. I have worked throughout my career to make this a reality for all children, and now especially my own. This award truly brings me full circle in my work and I sincerely appreciate that the National Bar Association has chosen to honor me at this time in my life.”

Throughout her career, Tanya Clay House has been instrumental in leading initiatives that address critical issues with voting rights and protection, racial justice in education, and criminal justice reform, including her time as a President Obama administration appointee.

“We are thrilled to see Tanya Clay House receive this well-deserved honor from the National Bar Association,” said Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr., President and CEO of Hip Hop Caucus. “Her leadership and advocacy have been integral to our mission of building a more just, equitable and healthy society. This award is a testament to her relentless dedication and impact.”

The National Bar Association’s 44th Annual Midyear Conference brings together legal professionals, scholars, and activists to address pressing issues facing the legal community and society at large. 

Other 2024 Heman M. Sweatt award recipients include Hon. Christian D. Menefee (Harris County Attorney), Hon. Chris Hollins (Controller, City of Houston), Hon. Monique M. Edwards (Commissioner of Conservation, Louisiana Department of Resources), and Antoinette M. Jackson (Principal, The Banks Law Firm, P.A.).

For more information about the National Bar Association’s 44th Annual Midyear Conference and the Heman M. Sweatt Awards Luncheon, visit www.nationalbar.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.