RAP 4 PEACE: A Hip Hop Gun Violence Awareness Conference on June 2, National Gun Violence Awareness Day

Dr. Jerry Doby May 10, 2024

7,903 3 minutes read

Rap 4 Peace - Hip Hop Gun Violence Conference - event flyer-35

Hip Hop 4 Peace, in collaboration with the UNESCO Center For Peace and the United States Federation of UNESCO Clubs, Centers, and Associations, is set to host Rap 4 Peace: A Hip Hop Gun Violence Awareness Conference on Sunday, June 2, 2024, coinciding with National Gun Violence Awareness Day. The event, hosted by Christine Devine, anchor at Fox 11, will take place at Shutters On The Beach in Santa Monica, California, aiming to address the urgent issue of gun violence through the lens of Hip Hop culture.

Conference seats can be reserved here.

Empowering Change with Celebrities and Renowned Speakers

The conference will feature distinguished speakers including Guy Gjoken, Chairman of the US Federation of UNESCO Clubs, Centers, and Associations; Rob Bonta, California Attorney General; Chidi Njoku, Director of Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine, Kaiser Permanente South Bay; Katannia Plummer-Mitchell, President, Latin American and the Caribbean, UNESCO; and Gabin Ahogbedji Allognon, President, African Federation, UNESCO, among others.

Examining Trauma and Fostering Peace

“This event examines the issue of trauma as an underlying cause of gun violence in Black, Hispanic, and vulnerable communities. Hip Hop was born from historic and systemic trauma, and serves as both a mechanism for healing and a catalyst for change. Peace is the foundation of Hip Hop culture and should be amplified on National Gun Violence Awareness Day,” stated event creator and executive producer, Tina Marie Tyler. Public Enemy Founder, Chuck D, also calls for peace through Hip Hop, “This nation’s normalized behavior of gun violence is not normal. Hip Hop can, and should, lead the way to bring peace into our neighborhoods.”

Conference Highlights

Tracks include discussions on Gun Violence, Mindset & Mental Wellness, and Guns and Vulnerable Communities, featuring panels moderated by industry experts and specially recorded messages from renowned artists. Additionally, the conference will showcase a specially curated Entertainment Industry Panel On Gun Violence with recorded remarks from DJ Battlecat and panelists including Gary Reeves.

The Opening Track: Gun Violence | “Hip Hop & Handguns will be moderated by Soren Baker, Author & Hip Hop Journalist whose chronicle, The History Of Gangster Rap became the No. 1 new release on Amazon’s Music History & Criticism Chart during its first week in stores in 2018.

Those interested in attending may reserve seats here.

President’s Volunteer Service Awards

Immediately following the conference, a Gala will commence where the President’s Volunteer Service Award will be presented to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to volunteerism and peacebuilding, including notable figures such as Chuck D, Jon Tilli, Dr. Stephon Alexander, Dr. Angelina Ruffin, and Tina Marie Tyler.

Community Partners and Sponsors

Sponsors of the Rap 4 Peace: A Hip Hop Gun Violence Awareness Conference include Deutsche Bank and Kaiser Permanente Center for Gun Research and Education. Community and industry partners include organizations such as the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, United Mental Health Promoters, the Black Mental Health Task Force, and the Therapeutic Play Foundation.

About Hip Hop 4 Peace

Hip Hop 4 Peace is a non-partisan, non-government organization dedicated to promoting peace through Hip Hop music and culture. The global coalition seeks to reduce gun violence, remove social, economic, and health barriers to peace, and restore peace as the foundation of Hip Hop culture.

About UNESCO Center For Peace and U.S. Federation of UNESCO

The United States Federation of UNESCO Clubs, Centers, and Associations serves as the national body that governs the grassroots movement of UNESCO in the United States of America, promoting peace and security through international cooperation in education, sciences, culture, communication, and information.

About President’s Volunteer Service Awards

The President’s Volunteer Service Award is a civil award bestowed by the President of the United States, honoring volunteers who give hundreds of hours per year helping others. Established to recognize exceptional service, recipients include individuals, families, and organizations located throughout the United States.