Category: Press

Today, Hip Hop Caucus President and CEO Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr. issued the following statement in response to The Willow Project:

“Advancing the proposed Willow Project, a new 30-year oil drilling venture on Alaska’s North Slope, would be a climate and environmental disaster. The Willow Project, backed by the corporate interests of ConocoPhillips, would produce devastating amounts of carbon pollution that exacerbate our climate crisis and endanger local and global communities. Among the many ironies of this project, which is being pushed despite devastation to local wildlife and indigenous communities, is that it literally depends on the sustainability of the very permafrost that it’s existence threatens. It’s not enough to concede elements of this oil drilling project or change its scope – the project must be stopped. Protecting the Artic, which is warming four times faster than the rest of the world, is key to protecting all life.

Hip Hop Caucus calls on the Biden Administration to #StopWillow , deliver on its climate justice promises, and move us forward, not backwards.”

About Hip Hop Caucus 

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

WASHINGTON — Today, Hip Hop Caucus President and CEO Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr. issued the following statement in support of the upcoming week of action against Cop City in Atlanta, Georgia:

“Hip Hop Caucus joins with activists, organizers, faith leaders and the Atlanta community who are calling for a stop to Cop City, defending the Weelaunee Forest in Atlanta, Georgia, and honoring the life of environmental activist Tortuguita who was killed by Atlanta police in January. Hip Hop Caucus is proud to support the upcoming week of action to stop Cop City, for it is with all of our collective power that we can ensure that Cop City will never be built.  

Police violence and environmental activism are intimately connected not only through the power dynamics of economics, but also in the way they disproportionately threaten the ability for Black and Brown people to breathe and thrive. Replacing the nation’s largest urban forest with the largest militarized police training facility in North America would be a resounding moral and strategic failure felt for generations to come.  

For years, people have made it clear that they do not want Cop City. Its existence would both intensify violence against Black and Brown communities and exacerbate climate and environmental issues like flooding, heatwaves, and pollution in Atlanta communities. The notions that increased policing makes us safer and that deforestation does not harm our environment are erroneous and cannot stand.  

Hip Hop Caucus will continue to fight for our health, our safety, and our planet, and we won’t rest until the voices of the people are heard.”

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.

I ended Grammy night like most people in my network — feeling like the most powerful woman in the industry was once again denied Grammy’s biggest honor. But when Dee Barnes gave her reaction to that night in an interview with Rolling Stone, I felt ashamed that a hip-hop pioneer who was erased after she was attacked by Dr. Dre hadn’t been more on my mind during an awards show that specifically celebrated hip-hop.

Read more in The Grio.

The brutal murder of Tyre Nichols at the hands of five Memphis police officers is a harsh reminder of the continued and extensive existence of corrupt individuals in law enforcement and the detrimental impact this has on the fiber of policing. Corruption has no color. America’s criminal justice system is not just for Black Americans and we must face this reality. The swift charges brought by Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy and the firing of the police officers by the Memphis Chief are respectable and appreciated. However, the damage is done. There is no justice for the loss of Tyre’s life. He was a son, a father and a friend whose death undoubtedly leaves a hole in the hearts of many. Hip Hop Caucus offers all who knew and loved Tyre our deepest sympathy. We will continue to honor his life by advocating for him and the countless others who have been killed by immoral, biased, dishonest or just bad cops. The urgent need for alternative methods of policing such as replacing police with unarmed, civilian traffic responders, proper allocation of resources, and increased police accountability cannot be ignored. Elected officials at every level must make the necessary policy changes to save lives.

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.

Hip Hop Caucus is grieving the loss of activist Manuel Esteban Paez Terán aka Tortuguita, who was killed by Atlanta police on January 18 for protesting deforestation and the construction of a law enforcement training facility known as ‘Cop City.’ The killing of Manuel is a sickening reminder of the risks that people of color face when advocating for our health, our safety, and our planet. Environmental and climate racism, and police brutality are tools of white supremacy and are intrinsically linked. We join with those who are protesting this tragic incident of state-sanctioned violence as we honor Manuel’s life.

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.

Once again a California community has been torn apart by a gunman, just days after the mass shooting in Monterey Park. Our sincerest condolences are with the families, friends, colleagues, neighbors and loved ones of those killed. Gun reform and the Second Amendment can co-exist. It is imperative for Congress to prioritize gun reform legislation, strengthening current laws, closing existing loopholes and banning assault weapons. As we mourn the victims of this horrific tragedy, we will continue to advocate for real, policy-based solutions.

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.

Hip Hop Caucus is deeply saddened by the horrific mass shooting in Monterey Park, California following a Lunar New Year celebration. Ongoing violence in and against communities of color bring layers of fear, anxiety, and in instances like this, overwhelming sadness to what should be joyous occasions. Gun violence continues to wreak havoc on our society and with 33 mass shootings already occurring in the U.S. in 2023, we need our elected leaders to enact gun reform now. We stand in solidarity with the AAPI community and our hearts are with the survivors and all those affected.

About Hip Hop Caucus 

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

WASHINGTON — Today, Hip Hop Caucus President and CEO Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr. issued the following statement in response to President Biden signing the Respect for Marriage Act into law:

“Hip Hop Caucus applauds the bipartisan efforts to pass the Respect for Marriage Act, landmark federal legislation that recognizes same-sex marriages and interracial marriages as legal unions. The right to marry whom you love is a true embodiment of the right to privacy and belongs to every American regardless of sex, race, ethnicity, or gender identity. 

Hip Hop Caucus calls on Congress to continue expanding LGBTQIA+ rights and protections that not only ensure equality under the law, but also safety from harassment and attacks of violence. Hip Hop Caucus will continue to advocate for progress as we celebrate this historic milestone for love.”

Veteran public affairs expert and Obama Administration appointee brings decades of experience and inspired strategic visioning

WASHINGTON — Hip Hop Caucus announces today Tanya Clay House as the Executive Vice President, Campaigns and Advocacy. Hip Hop Caucus is a national nonprofit and nonpartisan organization that uses the power of hip-hop culture to advance civil and human rights. Hip Hop Caucus has grown exponentially in recent years to extend its leadership across the country.  As the Executive Vice President, Campaigns and Advocacy, Tanya will spearhead the strategic direction of Hip Hop Caucus’ portfolio of award-winning campaigns and new advocacy initiatives.

“Hip Hop Caucus is thrilled and fortunate to have Tanya Clay House join the team,” said Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr., Hip Hop Caucus President and CEO. “This moment in our history where we are striving not only for equity and justice, but for existence, calls for bold action, increased collaboration and inspired leadership. Tanya’s breadth of experience and knowledge will elevate our work and strengthen the political power of our communities. It is an incredible privilege to have Tanya’s leadership on the team and I am excited about the path we build ahead.” 

Tanya joins Hip Hop Caucus from State Infrastructure Fund (SIF) where she managed the voting rights portfolio, including all national voting rights litigation funding. Tanya’s work at SIF included management of the Voting Rights Working Group, a collective of twelve of the nation’s premier civil rights organizations engaged in voting rights litigation, and the development and management of the Election Protection Mapping Project, a tool that provides a comprehensive landscape of the state and national voter protection activities across the country. 

As an Obama Administration appointee, Tanya served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for P-12 Education in the Office of Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development (OPEPD) at the U.S. Department of Education. In her role, she provided policy recommendations to senior Department officials, oversaw the development of policy in the P-12 budget and spending plan, and was responsible for decisions for major grant competitions. Tanya also led high priority policy initiatives across the Department, including work on school diversity, discipline practices, and the racial justice implications of policies throughout the Department.

“This is such an exciting time to join the Hip Hop Caucus as it celebrates 18 years in the social justice movement.” said Tanya Clay House, Executive Vice President, Campaigns and Advocacy. “I am thrilled to become a member of the leadership team lending my expertise, passion and support in shepherding its expansion on critical civil rights and social justice issues such as voting rights, women’s rights, climate justice, economic justice, criminal justice and more. At its core, the Hip Hop Caucus has consistently focused on addressing the critical issues impacting Black and Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) and underserved communities, and it is this incredible commitment that has encouraged me to return to my roots of over two decades in the civil rights coalition, as we continue to confront the significant challenges ahead.”

Tanya has worked in Congress and within the nonprofit coalition space, and has testified numerous times before the U.S. Congress, State Legislatures, and Federal and State Agencies. Tanya has been interviewed and quoted by national television, print and radio media, including NBC Nightly News, Associated Press, National Public Radio, C-SPAN, BET News and The New York Times. Tanya has also received numerous awards for her work, including from the National Bar Association, Rainbow Push Coalition, The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Women Engaged, and ​​the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation.

Tanya graduated cum laude from the University of Michigan with a B.A. in political science and earned her J.D. from the University of Texas, School of Law. Tanya resides outside of Washington, D.C.

For more information about Hip Hop Caucus and Tanya Clay House, visit www.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.

###