On January 28th, Phil Agnew of the Dream Defenders delivered a State of the Youth Address, outlining the social justice priorities of millions of young voters. It took place during the annual #Barack Talk
“For the past 4 years, #BarackTalk has been an opportunity for young people to meet online and hold real conversations about our biggest issues, from climate change to gun control,” says Biko Baker, Executive Director of the League of Young Voters.
“This year, we wanted to make it clear that the Rising American Electorate is diverse, powerful, and passionate about impacting the world we live in today.”
Phillip Agnew, Executive Director of Dream Defenders, says, “The emerging face of our country has begun to fight for the world we will inherit. Our generation knows that true change is more than words and slogans. We are building towards it at every level and, in 2014, we will show our power at the polls.”
Below is a video of Phil’s address
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27RYn9YO-vI
Rosa Clemente
Earlier that day we at Hard Knock Radio sat down with a number of stellar Hip Hop Generation folks from around the country and asked them to address the issues that they are tackling and put forth key items President Obama would need to address in order to resonate with their constituents…Everything from voter suppression to police brutality to Stand Your Ground abuses and the fast tracking of the TPP (Trans Pacific Partnership ) agreements were addressed.
The conversation that unfolded was inspiring, enlightening and a clear indication that many folks are hard at work making things happen in a big way.. These accomplishments range from folks bringing out record numbers to the polls both during the presidential elections and on off years, fighting ALEC, launching success Stop the Violence campaigns, establishing historic redistricting commissions, leading the fight for environmental justice and being deeply involved in media justice campaigns. to name a few..As one of our guest Rosa Clemente noted in our round table, this is about being a movement, not a moment..
Our guest included the following folks:
Rosa Clemente former 2008 Vice Presidential candidate for the Green Party
Shamako Noble-president Hip Hop Congress
Jazz Hudson-Educator, Poet Black Youth project
Elandria Williams-Highlander Center, Tennessee
Carmen LIanes -Voting rights advocate and a member PODER out of Austin, Texas
Biko Baker-League of Young Voters who put on the annual #BarackTalk
http://www.audiomack.com/song/hard-knock-radio/hip-hop-generation-addresses-2014-state-of-the-union
As we leave out, here’s some new music from Jasiri X.. He along with long time writer and activist Dream Hampton were part of a delegation that went to Palestine.. They just got back and he flipped this video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dq6Y6LSjulU