HIP-HOP SUMMIT ACTION NETWORK JOINS FORCES WITH VOTO LATINO TO FURTHER UNITE POWERFUL AFRICAN AMERICAN AND LATINO COMMUNITIES
January 31, 2008 – New York, N.Y. – Russell Simmons, Dr. Benjamin Chavis and the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN), announces that it has joined forces with Rosario Dawson’s Voto Latino, further building unity within the African American and Latino communities to establish a powerful voting constituency in the upcoming Presidential election.
Voto Latino, founded in 2004, works to promote an enfranchised America by leveraging celebrity voices, the latest technology and young people to promote positive change. It launched the first national SMS voter registration and GOTV project with Mobile Voter in 2006, and co-founder and executive board member Rosario Dawson received the 2007 Hispanic Heritage Award for Vision.
“Rosario Dawson and Voto Latino are great partners with the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network spearheading the progressive transformation of America,” emphasized Russell Simmons, Chairman of HSAN. ” 2008 is the year of effective coalition building between African Americans and Latino Americans and all others who want to end poverty and improve the quality of life for all people and communities. Millions of young voters will make the positive difference in 2008.”
“Young people are increasingly aware of their clout,” declared Rosario Dawson. “Joining forces with the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network, we hope to present a united front, leverage our distinct area of expertise and continue promoting positive change for our country. Voto Latino is thrilled to be working jointly with Russell’s group.”
“The youth vote has proved significant in the 2008 election season,” affirmed Maria Theresa Pedersen, Executive Director of Voto Latino. “And it’s only January! American Latino and African American youth comprise 33% of the total youth vote. Our combined efforts in choosing the next president of the United States promises to be fierce. Voto Latino & the Hip Hop Summit Action Network will work hard towards encouraging this historic participation.”
Added Jasmin Franjul, HSAN’s Director Talent Relations & Diversity, “HSAN and Voto Latino’s goal through this partnership is to build a stronger united front and give a voice to all young people regardless of race or culture. We hope to transcend existing boundaries by shedding light on the commonalities of our communities and the power that young people will have in this historic election.”
About Hip-Hop Summit Action Network Founded in 2001, the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network is dedicated to harnessing the cultural relevance of hip-hop music to serve as a catalyst for education advocacy and other societal concerns fundamental to the well being of at-risk youth throughout the United States. HSAN is the largest non-profit, worldwide coalition of hip-hop artists, entertainment industry leaders, education advocates, civil rights proponents, and youth leaders united in the belief that Hip-Hop is an enormously influential agent for positive social change which must be responsibly and proactively utilized to fight the war on poverty and injustice.
About Voto Latino
Founded in 2004, Voto Latino works to promote an enfranchised America by leveraging celebrity voices, the latest technology and youth themselves to promote positive change. Voto Latino seeks to empower our community. In 2006, Voto Latino launched the first national sms voter registration and GOTV project with Mobile Voter. Our joint community efforts brought us recognition.Voto Latino’s Public Service Announcements won awards and nominations. Recently, Co-Founder Rosario Dawson received the 2007 Hispanic Heritage Award for Vision.
