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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.