Cultural influencers and political leaders including Claudia Jordan, Kenny Burns, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, Akio Evans, and PINKYTHARAPPER took part in the action
WASHINGTON – Hip Hop Caucus, a national non-partisan, nonprofit organization that harnesses the power of hip-hop culture to advance civil and human rights honored its 20th anniversary this September with celebratory events across Washington, D.C. These events recognized the growth and accomplishments of Hip Hop Caucus as a leading institution fighting for racial, climate and economic justice, and celebrated the political and cultural impact of hip-hop.
On Wednesday, September 11, the celebration started where it all began 20 years ago at Howard University with a full day of events, including a town hall, reception, Respect My Vote! GOTV block party, and music performances. At the town hall, Howard University students and the surrounding community participated in discussions, moderated by Howard University Student Association’s Government Affairs and Policy Director Nikkya Taliaferro, about Hip Hop Caucus’ journey and the critical issues at stake this election cycle with Hip Hop Caucus Board Member and Howard University Hospital President Dr. Roger Mitchell Jr., Hip Hop Caucus Board Member and Entertainment Law Attorney Lita Rosario-Richardson, Executive Vice President at the National Wildlife Federation and Former Hip Hop Caucus Senior Vice President Mustafa Santiago Ali, Co-Founder and Executive Director of The Hip Hop Museum Rocky Bucano, Creative Director, Filmmaker and Shoe Muralist Akio Evans, Recording Artist, Writer and Activist T.O.N.E., Howard University senior and men’s basketball player Bryce Harris, and Howard University junior and president of the Howard University Water and Environment Association Hailey Morris.
Following the town hall, Hip Hop Caucus held a Respect My Vote! GOTV block party outside the Blackburn Center at Howard University with music from DJ Akademiks (WPGC-FM 95.5), free giveaways, and voter registration information. Hip Hop Caucus capped off the day with a 20th anniversary concert featuring music performances by PINKYTHARAPPER, Alantra, June, Liyala, and Eleven Tha Outcast.
“We are honored to celebrate our 20-year anniversary on the historic campus of Howard University where Hip Hop Caucus launched and first began bringing young people and artists into the political process,” said Hip Hop Caucus President and CEO Rev Yearwood Jr. “HIp Hop Caucus has grown tremendously as an institution and accomplished so much since then. In this election year, our work is more important than ever. We remain committed to ensuring that our youth and cultural leaders are informed, are using their reach to inform others, and are taking part in the democratic process.”
On Friday, September 13, Hip Hop Caucus made its way to the Congressional Black Caucus’ 53rd Annual Legislative Conference, where Hip Hop Caucus President and CEO Rev Yearwood Jr. joined GANGGANG Co-Founder and President Alan Bacon, Celebrity Host and Political Activist Claudia Jordan, Amazon Music’s Head of Hip-Hop & R&B Sierra Lever, and AllHipHop.com CEO Chuck Creekmur for the Hip Hop & Politics panel with moderator Cameron Trimble of Hip Politics.
Following the panel, Rev Yearwood Jr. and GRAMMY-nominated recording artist and activist Antonique Smith launched Climate Revival with a live Climate Conversations and Gospel concert featuring Rise St. James President and TIME 100 Award recipient Sharon Lavigne, Vessel Project of Louisiana Founder Roishetta Ozane, Filmmaker Maya Penn, United States Representative Justin Pearson (D-TN), and Tony and GRAMMY-award winner Leslie Odom Jr. Climate Revival aims to mobilize communities of faith and people of color to engage in climate and environmental justice issues. .
To cap off the week of celebrations, Hip Hop Caucus and radio personality Kenny Burns hosted an unforgettable party at The Park at 14th bringing together the D.C. community, including members of Congress, Congressional staffers, artists, influencers, and D.C. residents.
Hip Hop Caucus is proud to celebrate 20 years of service, education, influence, and impact. To learn more about Hip Hop Caucus, visit www.hiphopcaucus.org.
Hip Hop Caucus’ 20th Anniversary Celebrations
Photo Credit: Hip Hop Caucus
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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.
