Look To The Stars News: Hip-Hop Summit Action Network

Inaugural Hip Hop Ball Provides Catalyst For Education

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Russell Simmons, Valeisha Butterfield, Dr. Benjamin Chavis and the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN), the world’s largest coalition of hip-hop artists and entertainment industry executives, announced today that Heineken is the Presenting Sponsor and MySpace Music Hip-Hop (www.myspace.com/hiphop) is the Platinum Online Sponsor of the upcoming Hip-Hop Inaugural Ball, a black tie charity gala, on January 19, 2009 at 8:00pm, at The Harman Center for the Arts, 610 F Street, N.W., Washington, DC.

Russell Simmons, HSAN Chairman and Co-founder, emphasized, "The Hip-Hop Inaugural Ball will be a fantastic gala and upscale party in celebration of Barack Obama being inaugurated President of the United States. We are also recognizing the outstanding contributions of T.I., LL Cool J and Young Jeezy in helping to turn out the largest young adult vote in American history."

“Heineken is proud to be part of the Hip-Hop Inaugural Ball, celebrating the drive and passion of artists who were instrumental in mobilizing voter turnout in this year’s election,” said Filip Wouters, Vice President of Marketing for the Heineken Brand Equity. “While all of these artists have achieved tremendous success through their music, Heineken further applauds their efforts to empower and encourage voters to take an active role in their futures by casting their votes in this historic election.”

MySpace Political Director, Lee Brenner stated, “It’s a great honor to be part of this momentous occasion and to be partnering with the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network for this celebration of positive change. As the biggest online community for Hip-Hop music, we feel that it is a privilege to help spread the word about the Hip-Hop Inaugural Ball and all that it stands for.”

The Hip-Hop Inaugural Ball is a fundraiser with all ticket proceeds going to the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network to continue its non-profit work in helping to serve as a catalyst for education advocacy and other empowerment programs for young adults throughout the United States.

Tickets can be purchased on a first come, first served basis by going to www.Hiphopinaugural.org or www.HSAN.org.

The Hip-Hop Inaugural Ball will kick off with a star-studded red carpet and celebrity sponsorship reception at 8pm at the Harman Center, followed by an awards presentation and a VIP black tie gala and party on all four levels of the venue. DJ D-Nice will serve as the Hip-Hop Inaugural Ball Celebrity DJ throughout the whole night.

The Hip-Hop Inaugural Ball Host Committee is a select group of hip-hop leaders and artists who have expressed their endorsement and support including T-Pain, Akon, Bryan-Michael Cox, Big Jon Platt, Fat Joe, MC Lyte, Terrence J, Devyne Stephens, Mario, Ginuwine, DJ Don Cannon, Winky Wright, NFL players Baltimore Ravens’ Terrell Suggs, San Francisco 49ers’ Vernon Davis and Free Agent All Pro Defensive End, Simeon Rice.

Young Jeezy To Be Honored For Encouraging Young Voters

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Hot on the heels of Hip Hop star Young Jeezy's trip to a school in Atlanta to distribute Christmas gifts to the needy last week, the rapper is now set to be honored for his work encouraging young people to vote in the recent US election.

The Hip-Hop Inaugural Ball is a black tie, charity fundraiser with proceeds going to support the non-profit work of the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network's (HSAN) education advocacy and empowerment programs for young adults across America. Organized by Hip Hop legend Russell Simmons, the Ball will take place on January 19 at the prestigious Harman Center for the Arts, 610 F Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.

“We are celebrating the Inauguration of Barack Obama as President of the United States, and the magnificent turn out of young voters throughout the nation," said Simmons. “Hip-Hop is all about transformation and it is a thrill to help make and witness this history.”

Also being honored for their work encouraging young voters in the election are rappers T.I. and LL Cool J.

“The Hip-Hop Inaugural Ball will be a celebration and a commitment to sustain the civic engagement of young people,” said Valeisha Butterfield, Executive Director of HSAN.

Young Jeezy – whose hits include Soul Survivor, Mr President, and Put On – has become well known for his philanthropic efforts. Last Christmas he spearheaded a weeklong toy drive called Toyz n da Hood that gave away 1,000 toys to 1,000 children at various locations in Macon and Atlanta. He has also organized a clothes and school supplies donation program, a voter registration event, and donated $5,000 to the Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless, a charity fronted by rapper T.I.. He also opened his house to victims of Hurricane Katrina to give them a place to stay.

Tickets can be purchased on a first come, first served basis by going to www.Hiphopinaugural.org or www.HSAN.org.

Simmons Commits Money To Charity

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Hip Hop mogul Russell Simmons has revealed that he would rather give his fortune to people in need than spend it on himself.

The 51-year-old made the announcement at the annual BET awards held in Atlanta on Saturday.

“I’m not going to cut down on [my charities] so I can have another ride on a private plane,” said the producer, who took home the I Am Hip Hop icon award at the ceremony. “I want to make sure everyone keeps getting fed.”

Simmons is Co-Chairman of the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network – which harnesses the cultural relevance of Hip-Hop music to serve as a catalyst for education advocacy – and also co-founded the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation with his brothers, Danny and Joseph Simmons. In 2007 he founded the Diamond Empowerment Fund to raise money to support education initiatives to help people in countries where diamonds are a natural resource.

“I want to contribute more to earth than I take away from it,” Simmons said.

Look To The Stars News: Hip-Hop Summit Action Network

Inaugural Hip Hop Ball Provides Catalyst For Education

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