Long time Hip Hop activist and journalist Rosa Clemente announced today her intent to run with presumptive Green Party presidential nominee Cynthia McKinney.
“I am honored and excited to accept this invitation to run with Cynthia McKinney,”Clemente said in a statement. “Cynthia McKinney is a hero to me and many others across this country and around the world for her courage in standing up to George Bush while the Democratic Party establishment caved.”
Clemente intends to use the platform to address a number of issues important to the Hip Hop generation and communities of color across the United States .
“This campaign is the opportunity the Hip-Hop generation has been working for. This is our time to address the issues affecting our communities – rising unemployment, the high cost of food and housing, a lack of quality public education and access to higher education, the prison-industrial complex, and unaccountable corporate media. These issues are not being addressed by either the Republican or Democratic nominee.”
In addition to running, Clemente feels that the Green Party, one of the country’s most prominent political third parties, represents real change for young people of color.
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“I choose to do this, not for me, but for my generation, my community and my daughter. I don’t see the Green Party as an alternative; I see it as an imperative. I trust that my Vice Presidential run will inspire all people, but especially young people of color, to recognize that we have more then two choices. Together, we can build the future we’ve been dreaming of.”
The teaming of McKinney and Clemente has already gotten those in the Hip Hop community talking, including those who have previously stayed home on Election Day.
“I’ve never voted in the Presidential election,”M1 of dead prez says, “I’ve never felt strongly enough about a candidate to. Knowing that Rosa Clemente is down with Cynthia McKinney‘s run, I feel that now is the greatest opportunity for the Hip Hop community to put our collective strength and power to the test and vote for someone who represents who we are and what we stand for.”
For more information on these candidates, visit RosaClemente.com and RunCynthiaRun.org.
