U.S (HIP HOP CAUCUS) : Our stance against violence.

 

 

 

Friend, a cornerstone of the mission of Hip Hop Caucus has always been mobilizing the culture to fight for racial, climate, and economic justice. That includes looking inward with our own movement, and asking ourselves, are we truly living up to our own ideals ? Sometimes, that answer is no. That reality became clear during the Grammy’s 50-year Hip Hop tribute – as Dr. Dre, a man who has been repeatedly accused of violence against women, had the Grammy’s Global Impact Award named after him. Every year, when this award is handed out, viewers will receive a stark reminder of how the music industry celebrates abusers and dismisses survivors. Celebrations of the past must also be paired with genuine reflections of our mistakes. From Chris Brown and Bobby Brown, to Ike Turner and so many others, it’s no secret that our community has tolerated violence against women, and silenced women in the industry who spoke out against that injustice. These conversations are hard, but they’re necessary if we’re ever going to heal and improve. Please, read Rev Yearwood’s op-ed about Dr. Dre in theGrio and share it on your social networks. As Rev Yearwood wrote in his op-ed, not only does Dr. Dre face multiple credible accusations of violence, he has refused to take accountability for his own actions. By honoring the musical contributions of an artist but failing to hold them to account for the damage done to members of our community, we are failing to live up to the restorative justice that we call for everywhere. Hip Hop Caucus is dedicated to supporting the numerous talented women who exist in this space, who create and contribute in an environment that has historically treated them poorly. And as an organization, we will always call out injustice – even when it’s inconvenient. Together, we will continue to mobilize the culture for restorative justice across the nation, in as many places as we can. Support that work by reading Rev Yearwood’s op-ed on Dr. Dre and the need for justice for Black women, and sharing it on social media. Hip Hop’s next 50 years will be stronger when every voice has a mic. For future generations,    Team Hip Hop Caucus

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