How Can Hip Hop Save America?

Event Will Unite, Empower, Train and Celebrate Tomorrow's Leaders in Chicago, July 20-23

Over the last several years many noted and respected civil rights and social justice activists have passed away. As their peers, and the world, mourn their loss, many wonder who tomorrow's leaders will be. Recognizing the pressing need for young people to step up and become active participants in the world around them, the second National Hip-Hop Political Convention (NHHPC) is set to train the next generation of community leaders. The bi-annual Convention will be held July 20-23 at Northeastern Illinois' Jacob Carruther's Center for Inner City Studies at 700 East Oakwood Blvd. in Chicago's historic Bronzeville neighborhood.

"Hip Hop, as a community and a culture, has reached an age of maturity," states Crawford. "It is our duty to assume the mantle of leadership. Whether at home, on the block or in the boardroom, our generation must set a course that will lead towards long term health and sustainability for the communities in which we live."

The Convention plans to provide attendees with sophisticated community-organizing training and issue-based workshops. Panelists and trainers include Davey D, a noted hip-hop journalist; Zack Exely, former Director of Online Communications and Online Organizing for democratic presidential candidate John Kerry; Bakari Kitwana, author of The Hip Hop Generation: Young Blacks and the Crisis in African-American Culture; Fred Hampton, Jr, son of slain Black Panther leader Fred Hampton, Sr. and chairman of Prisoners of Conscience Committee; Leila Steinberg, producer of Tupac documentary, Thug Angel: The Life of an Outlaw; Malia Lazu, National Field Director for Cities for Progress; Ryan Ford, Source magazine's executive editor; and Khari Mosley, regional director for the League of Young Voters.

The theme of the 2006 Convention is Money. Power. Respect. Convention programming is designed to educate members of the Hip Hop generation how to earn, demand and work for all three. This year's event builds on the success of the first-ever National Hip Hop Political Convention, which was held in 2004. Over 6000 members of the Hip Hop generation converged in Newark, NJ to address the most-pressing issues facing the generation. Many of the event's organizers are now considered among the nation's most successful urban activists and have actively participated in numerous issue-based and electoral campaigns.

While this year's Convention is focused on training leaders, there will be plenty of entertainment: Hip Hop legends X-Clan and Poor Righteous Teachers, along with many of the nation's strongest, most positive independent artists are slated to perform.

"Having fun is one part of the Hip Hop culture, the dominant themes that exist within the culture and the music are a commitment to truth and overcoming whatever obstacles that might stand in our way," says Crawford. "Just as in times past, when a peer group reaches a particular age, there is a certain Rite of Passage, a time where they move into the role of provider, care giver and protector of the community. For members of the culture and the generation, our time is now. We plan to hold ourselves accountable and we'll do so in a way that honors our past, yet is distinctly a style all our own."

For more information about the NHHPC and the 2006 Convention, including registration and lodging information, please visit www.2006hiphopconvention.com. The National Hip Hop Political Convention is a product of the National Black United Fund.