By Mona Austin
(TSN): Rep. Jamal Bowman of New York announced at the Capitol on Wednesday that he is spearheading a Hip Hop task force to collectively engage in the pursuit of social justice.
There has long been division between the Hip Hop community which often represents the voice of marginalized people and the political decision-making authorities that neglect them. The Task Force is a vehicle to merge that disconnection to ignite action on a broad range of issues that plague society. Bowman wants to amplify the concerns of minorities and augment artist activism via the taskforce.
"This is what Hip Hop has been about from the very beginning. It's always been about justice. It's always been about legislation. It's always been about holding us accountable," Bowman said pointing to himself as a lawmaker.
Dubbed the Congressional Hip Hop Power and Justice Task Force, the goal of the group in addition influencing policies related to police reform and o civic education and getting attention on poverty, fair housing and a bevy of other issues
Over its 50 year existence Hip Hop artists have shed light on the realities of struggling people, consistently delivering musical protest against "the system," while incorporating messages to condemn injustice and inequality. Whether the issue is poverty, freedom, or mass incarceration the task force will elevate consciousness about the inequalities among minority communities working in non-partisan way. While there are no Republicans on the congressional steering, they are welcome to join.
"It's about the consciousness and about humanity. You don't have to political use thus and if you do that's on you," said Prophet, an artist who spoke at the press conference.
Hip Hop artists with various political views such as Kanye West, Killer Mike, T.I., Cardi B, Ice Cube and more have been known to engage in political discussions and promoted voting and civic engagement. Yet, Bowman assured reporters that the focus is not about bringing attention to celebrities. Rather, he said, "This is about harnessing a culture that has already changed the world. That's already done so much for Civil Rights. That's already put people like me and Leader Jeffries in these Congressional seats."
Fellow New York Congressman and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has been recognized in the past for his leadership by Grammys on the Bill for his work to protect artists rights.
Groups like The Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC), the Recording Academy and the Black Music Collective have also joined forces with Bowman and Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.) in calling for the passage of the Restoring Artistic Protection (RAP) Act, a bill that would limit the admissibility of an artist’s creative or artistic expression against them in court.
Thus effort continues the energy of building political power at a level that has never been done before.
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