The 2004 National Hip-Hop Political Convention in
Newark, New Jersey will take place this summer with strong support from various
members of the Hip-Hop community.
In addition to Princeton professor Dr. Cornel
West, Kevin Powell, Sway of The Wake Up Show/MTV, M1 of dead prez, Afeni Shakur
and Davey D., the convention boasts performances by Slick Rick, Doug E. Fresh,
Public Enemy and Nas.
"The fact that artists of this magnitude
are choosing to get involved underscores the importance ofpolitical issues for
the hip-hop generation in the current climate,"said convention co-founder
Baye Adofo-Wilson.
The four day convention is being held at Rutgers
University from June 16-19. A diverse group of local activists, workers, artists,
professionals and educators will be on hand to discuss and attempt to develop
a national political agenda for the Hip-Hop community.
A series of intergenerational discussions will
take place between various Civil Rights activists, politicians and the Hip-Hop
generation.
The topics to be discussed include: challenges
in the electorial process, grassroots activism, art and responsibility and religion.
Below is the four day agenda:
Day 1: Hip-Hop Youth Summit Hosted by: Newark
High Schools Juniors and
Seniors at Rutgers University. The Summit will be moderated by Jeff Johnson,
Rap’s City Political commentator. The Summit will also include Deputy Mayor,
City of Newark, Ras Baraka, Nas, Doug. E. Fresh, Rock The Vote NJ Coordinator
Maya Entista and high school students for Newark.
Day 2: An Intergenerational Political Dialogue
Between The Hip-Hop Generation. Participants include: Amiri Baraka, M1 of Dead
Prez, Monifa Bandele, Bakari Kitwana, Afeni Shakur, Ron Daniels, Farai Chideya,
Hector Cochado, Cornel West, Rosa Clemente and a peformance by Floetry.
Day 3: Panel Discussions on Gender, Money, Justice,
Education, Health and Organizing. Hip-Hop Film festival. Evening political discussion
with Kevin Powell, Sway, Jehmu Green, Rock The Vote, Davey D. and Jeff Chang.
Concert featuring Doug E. Fresh, Slick Rick, Nas and Def Poets.
Day 4: State Caucuas Meeting. Delegates vote
on Plan of Action and Decide Agenda of delegates. Concert with Public Enemy
and surprise artists.
