Youth Rally: April 21, 2007 Hear My Voice! Are You Listening?

For Immediate Release:

Media Contact
Teri Watts
The Imani James Group/ Emmett Till Legacy Foundation
763 476 8677

Hip Hop, Spoken Word, Faith, History and Youth do mix! Young People are coming together armed with hip hop and spoken word and more for a 2nd year to build a better future.

[Twin cities March 21, 2007] Young people are coming together armed with hip hop, spoken word and more for a 2nd year to hear how they can be involved civically and politically in order to build a better future for them selves

YOUTH RALLY

April 21, 2007

12-2 p.m.

North Senior High,

1500 James Ave. North, in Minneapolis

(event will be held in the Auditorium located in the building on the east side)

The 2nd Annual Youth Rally, Hear My Voice! Are You Listening? is happening again! it all takes place on April 21, 2007 from 12-2 p.m. The Location is North Senior High, 1500 James Ave. North, in Minneapolis. The event takes place in the auditorium located in the building on the eastside. Thanks to North Senior High school and the leadership of Principal, Michael Favors!

See below for the description for the 2007 Rally

***WHAT: Youth Civic Engagement & Voter Registration Rally with music, dance and spoken word:

Hear my Voice! Are You Listening? ( in memory of Emmett Till)

***WHEN: Sat, April 21, 2007, 12 p.m.-2 p.m. Doors open at 11:50

***WHERE: North Senior High School, 1500 James Ave. N. Minneapolis, MN, 55411 (612) 668-1700

***WHO: All youth, college students and young adults ages 14+, urban, suburban, multi-cultural, immigrant and under-represented youth across this state and the country!

CO HOST/MC: B-Wright of B 96 Radio One( additional MC's to be announced later)

FEATURING: Spoken Word, Hip Hop, Gospel, Holy Hip Hop,and dance representing a variety of cultures. There will be an important call to action from several dynamic young emerging leaders who will speak to the audience with empowering messages encouraging our youth to Stop the Violence. They will also stress the importance of voting and encourage more civic and political participation.

PURPOSE: Bridge the generation gap and engage youth of today in their future. We want to encourage civic and political engagement/ participation and leadership. We will include voter registration opportunities during the rally and musical. The event will involve youth (teen, college and young adults ages 14-35 target). The entertainment will include participation from a diverse mix of faith based communities and positive hip-hop performers and spoken word artists. The goal is to get urban, suburban, immigrant and under-represented youth across this state and the country engaged in upcoming elections and their future.

Congressman Keith Ellison will deliver the welcome message.

Other invited guests include , David Barr the Playwright of the Face of Emmett Till, Chris Benson, co author of The Death of Innocence, Keith Beauchamp, film maker " The Untold story of Emmett Till", The Minnesota Timberwolves, Vikings/Former Vikings, Twins and national recording artist, Bob Dylan, David Banner, Kayne West, Mint Condition are among others who will be announced later.

This event is set to be one of the largest and most effective efforts (youth empowerment, engagement, voter registration and civic leadership) in the country. A commitment to pass the baton to future generations will take place as well.

State Legislators and other Public Officials are invited to stop by to show their support.

No campaign speeches or signs will be allowed but political candidates are welcomed to attend.

This is a free non partisan gathering!

This is a great recruiting, marketing and outreach opportunity for those organizers who want to reach this audience (estimated 500+). Information booths will be available for a nominal fee. If you are interested, please let us know by sending an email to emmett_till_legacy@yahoo.com.

Several community organizations are on board to lend their support to make this a success. The Emmett Till Legacy Foundation is joined by North Senior High (host school) and Inter-RACE along with the League of Women Voters, Harding High School, Minneapolis Urban League, Progressive Baptist Church Education Ministry, The White House Project, MN Spoken Word Association, Southside Community Health Services, Grace Media Network, Centro MN, Somali Action Alliance, David with the Hip Hop Caucus and more coming!

Contact the Emmett Till Legacy Foundation at 763 476 8677 or

Emmett -Till-Legacy-of-Hope.blogspot.com for more information.

The Emmett Till Legacy Foundation is "creating a legacy of hope" and is a 501c3 organization

###