JaRel Clay is the Associate Senior Director of Digital and Production at the Hip Hop Caucus. He is a strategic communicator, digital organizer, and entrepreneur working at the intersections of culture and civic engagement. At Hip Hop Caucus, he leads the organization’s digital organizing, content production, and social media strategy.
JaRel’s approach is multidisciplinary by design. He pairs list-building with storytelling, media relations, and stakeholder engagement. Prior to joining Hip Hop Caucus, he expanded and led the digital program for Public Citizen’s Global Trade Watch, directing web design, content strategy, and coalition communications. From 2013 to 2017, he built the online engagement strategy for the Center for a New American Security (CNAS), tripling the think tank’s digital footprint in his first year and supporting media relations efforts that secured more than 200 placements in outlets including CNN, MSNBC, and NPR. He began his career at Edelman, supporting clients in the firm’s energy and natural resources practice.
Since 2008, JaRel has led Clay and Group (C+G), a creative agency that has partnered with more than 75 entrepreneurs, small businesses, and progressive nonprofits to build their brands and digital presence, with a commitment to advancing economic prosperity for Black and Brown communities. His digital strategy and design work have been featured in The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal and recognized by the Webby Awards, AdWeek, and the w3 Awards.
A Western Pennsylvania native residing in Washington, D.C., JaRel holds a master’s degree in public relations and corporate communications from Georgetown University and a bachelor’s degree in applied communication studies from Kent State University.
He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., where he chairs the Political Action and Public Relations committees for the Omicron Eta Lambda Chapter in Washington, D.C. He is a speaker and thought leader on storytelling and digital advocacy from local to international stages.
Can Hip-Hop Save Our Climate? – Word in Black Webinar
Keep the Beat Going
From hustlin’ to the polls ASAP with T.I., to waking up with the Breakfast Club and Charlamagne tha God, to showing ‘em why “We Different” with 2 Chainz, Respect My Vote has been woven into the fabric of Hip Hop for 18 years. But the beat doesn’t stop here. To keep this momentum going at full volume, we need supporters like you.
