By OBSERVER Newsroom
On Monday, August 14, at 11 a.m. members of the California Legislative Black Caucus, the Recording Industry Association of America and the Bring the Peace Movement will host the “50th Anniversary of West Coast Hip-Hop History and Peace Rally” at the State Capitol.
This event will recognize the contributions of creatives and executives who have made significant contributions to West Coast hip-hop history. These cultural trailblazers will be recognized on the California State Assembly and California State Senate floor, thanks to the efforts of the California Legislative Black Caucus leaders, Chair, Assembly Member Lori Wilson, and Vice-Chair, Senator Steven Bradford. The program will also include a rally for peace on the steps of the Capitol, a voter registration drive and entertainment.
The event is brought to you by Jamilia Land, community activist and event organizer, who created the program to highlight hip-hop history and call for peace.
“This is a time of celebration and reflection,” stated Jamilia Land, co-founder, The Anti-Violence, Safety, and Accountability Project (ASAP) and lead, California Bring The Peace Movement (BtPM). “We acknowledge the monumental achievements of West Coast artists and also reflect on the effect of unresolved trauma and violence in the Culture.” California State Senator Steven Bradford and Vice-Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus echoed the sentiment, “The 50th Anniversary of hip-hop is a significant moment to honor California’s pivotal contributions to the music and culture around this genre. Hip-hop has created a pathway for people to express themselves artistically, build businesses, and connect with audiences around the world. I’m proud of the historic contributions that have been made by the people of the district I represent that includes Compton, Inglewood, Long Beach, and Los Angeles.”
“The West Coast hip-hop ecosystem is a driving force in California’s creative economy,” added California State Assembly Member Lori Wilson and Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus, who spearheaded the event, “Flowers for hip-hop are long overdue. The honor is ours. ” RIAA’s Senior Vice President, Artist & Industry Relations Chief, West Coast Operations Joel Flatow observed “Hip-hop’s legacy and impact is one of the biggest developments in music in the last fifty years and it’s an honor to join this celebration. RIAA is proud to recognize the incredible artists, musicians, culture, and community of West Coast hip-hop!”
Other event organizers include JoHanna “J” Thompson, Bring The Peace Movement, T; Elizabeth Kim, Organized Voices; Hayon, EDUtainment; James Jackson, iSound Music Media and several community partners.