NATIONAL HIP-HOP TEAM VOTE SUMMIT INCREASES VOTER REGISTRATION BY 70%

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Photo caption #2: Panelists: Bottom row (l to r? Lil' Mama, Russell Simmons, Ciara, T.I., Rosci, Terrence J, Flo-Rida, (Top row; l to r) Guerilla Zoe, Husuan Smalls, Valeisha Butterfield, Emily King, DJ Toomp, Lil'X, Dr. Benjamin Chavis, O' neal Mcknight, and Styles P

PENNSYLVANIA YOUTH VOTER REGISTRATION INCREASED OVER 70% IN 2008

NATIONAL HIP-HOP TEAM VOTE SUMMIT IN PHILADELPHIA MAKES AN IMPACT


Today, the Hip-Hop Research and Education Fund (HREF) released information garnered from the Pennsylvania State Board of Elections, which verified that the hip-hop generation will make a clear difference in the outcome of the Pennsylvania primary. Dr. Benjamin Chavis, President/CEO of the Hip-Hop Research and Education Fund, stated, "The fact that over 70% of the 218,923 new voters that have registered since January 2008 across the state of Pennsylvania are between the ages of 18-35 years old clear;y verifies the power of the young voter who will participate in tomorrow's Pennsylvania primary and determine its outcome. Based on our on the ground feedback in Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Erie, Chester and throughout the great metropolitan area of Philadelphia, we are certain that, beginning early tomorrow morning, we are all going to witness the largest youth voter turnout in the history of the state. This will happen, to a large extent, because of the enthusiasm and vitality of the hip-hop generation who view the Pennsylvania presidential primary as a once in a life time opportunity to show that young people throughout Pennsylvania do care about the quality of life issues addressed in the campaign. And, more important, hip-hop voters want to make a difference and want to help shape the future of what political change looks like from the perspective of young voters."

(left to right) - Russell Simmons, Ciara and TI
The prediction from HREF comes in the wake of yesterday's successful mobilization of 7,000 18-35 year olds who attended the "Hip-Hop Team Vote: Turn Up the Vote" Summit at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA.

On one of the last crucial days leading up to the important Pennsylvania primary, HREF, PowerPac and The Hip-Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN) brought together Russell Simmons, T.I., Ciara, Flo-Rida, Lil Mama, Chrisette Michelle, Styles P, Lil X, Gorilla Zoe, Green Lantern, BET's "106 & Park" star hosts Rocsi and Terrence J, Latino hip- hop/reggaeton stars Alexis y Fido, O'Neal McKnight, Emily King and NAACP National Director, Youth and College Division, Stefanie Brown to address topics that resonate with young people in the upcoming election such as education, the economy, healthcare and the war in Iraq.

Russell Simmons, hip-hop entrepreneur, philanthropist and activist declared at yesterday's Summit, "Voting is an act of empowering oneself and the masses are witnessing the importance of the youth vote." Addressing the crowd he stressed, "You are going to make the critical difference!"

Kirk Clay, Sr., National Field Director, PowerPAC, declared, "The Summit was an amazing way to show how youth can come together to inspire us and demonstrate the power they hold in their hands. I am sure this will have a resounding impact across the college and high school campuses in Pennsylvania."

T.I. emphasized, "I personally know the value of having the right to vote and it being taken away from you. This is the most important election of our lifetime. Focus on what you can do to help make the change. Everyone here has a voice-- Do your part!"

As one of the youngest female rappers on the stage, Lil Mama especially appealed to young, new voters, emphasizing, "I came out of the hood and I know that if we want to improve these communities, all of us must go out and vote in record numbers."

Ciara focused on education as one of the priority issues concerning young people in the upcoming Pennsylvania primary and presidential election. Her strong and clear message to the audience was, "Don't just talk about it, be about it! You can be part of making a difference."

Flo-Rida said, about the upcoming election, "Here's the chance to make your children's children's world a better place."

Stefanie Brown, National Director, Youth and College Division, NAACP addressed the Summit and stated, "The NAACP is encouraging a massive youth voter turnout. Civic engagement is an important responsibility."


Photo credit: Terrence Jennings