Hip-Hop Summit Action Network’s Russell Simmons and Dr. Benjamin Chavis will be among those holding a public grievance and peaceful rally, in response to a recent incident involving the son of Czar Entertainment owner Jimmy “Henchmen” Rosemond.
The 14-year-old boy’s mother Cynthia Reed, representatives from Czar Entertainment and the Rev. Al Sharpton will also be present at the event, which is expected to draw with various community leaders including parents, students and religious leaders.
The gathering comes days after G-Unit rapper Tony Yayo was arrested for an alleged physical assault on the boy, who was on his way to see Rosemond.
According to reports, the teen claimed Yayo and fellow G-Unit member 50 Cent were leaving the offices of Violator Management last Tuesday (Mar. 20), when they saw him walking down the street, wearing a Czar Entertainment T-shirt.
Yayo allegedly backhanded the boy and yelled curse words towards the company.
“We are involved to try to help mediate this problem,” said Chavis. “In truth, every child in our community is precious. The theme of the Hip-Hop Summit is taking back responsibility. With artistic freedom comes responsibility. Therefore anytime a child in our community is harmed it is of great concern to us. We are hoping and praying that this matter can be resolved peacefully and resolutely. At the end of the day the interest of our children will be better served.”
Yayo, born Marvin Bernard, was arraigned Sunday [Mar. 25] on one count of misdemeanor assault and one count of endangering the welfare of a minor. He was released on $5,000 bail and is scheduled to return to court on Apr. 25.
Representatives for 50 Cent maintain that the rapper was nowhere near the altercation when it took place.
The group hopes the demonstration will result in a call for action to advocate change against Yayo, 50 Cent and the music industry executives looking to profit from violence and acts against youth in Hip-Hop.
A press conference will be held before the event at 11 a.m. on Monday (Apr. 1) at The Park Central Hotel, 870 7th Ave, New York.
