MESSAGE FROM OUR PARTNERS
• DTLR
• HIP-HOP CAUCUS
LOOKING BACK
• HIP HOP & POLITICS
• THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT: CANNABIS, COMMERCE, & COMMUNITY
• THE POLITICS OF REAL ESTATE
• THE INTEGRITY OF THE ELECTORAL SYSTEM
• THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT: CONSERVATION & ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
THANK YOU
There are at least two elections for every eligible voter to participate in every year. Yet, media attention about electoral involvement is often directed towards the U.S. Presidential election of every four years. “The Road to 2024” is an effort to highlight the connection between civic involvement at the state and local level with politics on a national scale. We are grateful to every partner, sponsor, advisor and supporters of this event. We are especially thankful to Howard University, Ben’s Chili Bowl, and the Armour J. Blackburn Center Staff for helping us facilitate this one-of-a kind event.
Our journey starting Politicking, as a vehicle to promote informed political engagement, has turned into an unbelievably rewarding opportunity to become the founders of the nation’s first Black-woman owned, civic information company. We have been blessed with overwhelming support over the years. Time, being the precious commodity that it is, is your most valued investment into us yet. That said, we are grateful to have your participation in our first, annual conference. We encourage you to reach out to stay in touch with us after today. With your participation, we are confident that Politicking will continue to eradicate barriers to voter disenfranchisement and misinformation. Thank you for playing such an important role in this process!
Politicking Co-Founders, Jordan Wilson & Wen-kuni Ceant
THE OFFICIAL AFTERPARTY CO-SPONSORED BY DTLR WILL TAKE PLACE AT STUDIO 52 FROM 8:00 PM-12:00 PM
OFFICIAL DJ: QUIKSILVA
SPECIAL GUEST: WINTER HARRIS
By partnering with Politicking, we are able to further our mission to provide voter education and help empower civic participation within our communities.
DTLR serves to empower diverse youth and communities through increasing voter awareness and registration. We are thrilled to work with an organization that aligns with our values and provides a non-partisan platform to help educate would-be voters.
It was our privilege and pleasure to sponsor this conference.
Hip Hop Caucus knows that when we vote, we change the world. We are honored to be in community with incredible artists, “artivists,” and organizers during the Politicking x DTLR ‘Road to 2024’ Conference. Together, we will use the power of our cultural expression to empower future generations.
Black Americans have remained profoundly impacted by the political landscape of the last several years. From navigating the historic elections of the nation’s first Black President and the nation’s first “reality” president, we have been faced with a tumultuous political climate. There is no time like the present to raise our voices among varying political parties and advance our presence in electoral politics. Despite landmark political wins and blows, the Black community’s engagement and advocacy remains essential to advancing the country’s electoral landscape. The path forward requires sustained dedication to dismantling systemic barriers, promoting racial equity, and ensuring that the voices of the Black community represent diversity in thought and leadership.
Politicking informs voters on the role which Governors, Mayors, County Executives, State Legislators, and Attorney Generals play in yielding pivotal platforms for advancing Black interests. Grassroots movements have played an incredible role as well, having transformed electoral strategies and laws relating to criminal justice reform, economic equity, environmental justice, and educational access.
Americans have felt the impact of federal policies such as the Affordable Care Act, Roe v. Wade, and the advancements in economic and criminal justice reform as the Federal Government attempted to address long standing disparities. However, systemic challenges persisted, necessitating continuous advocacy for equitable reforms.
World-changing events such as the COVID-19 pandemic have revealed the interconnectedness between local, state and federal politics. Federal policies amplified on racial inequality and social justice, and charged public officials at the state and local level to govern with integrity. The Black community found itself actively resisting rollbacks of civil rights protections and combating divisive rhetoric that sought to marginalize their voices.
During this period, Congressional actions mirrored the nation’s ideological divide. The passage of bills like the First Step Act exemplified bipartisanship on criminal justice reform, a critical issue for the Black community. However, legislative gridlock hindered broader initiatives, underscoring the need for strategic advocacy to effect change.
9:20 AM-10:30 AM
MODERATOR: CAMERON TRIMBLE PANELISTS: DAWN RICHARD, REVEREND YEARWOOD, PROFESSOR GRIFF
There is more to understanding the intersection of politics and hop than crosscultural moments ike Dan Quayle’s attack on Tupac, or Barack Obama’s infamous rap shout-outs. Politicians have used Hip-Hop as a cultural medium to connect with young, Black voters. Some of the art form’s most important figures will speak on the legacy rolethat Hip-Hop plays in US politics.
THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT: CANNABIS, COMMERCE, & COMMUNITY
10:45 AM-11:45 AM
MODERATOR: TODD HUGHES
PANELISTS: COUNCILMAN MARTIN MITCHELL, HOPE WISEMAN, LINDA GREENE
Cannabis legalization has taken priority as a legislative item at every level of government. While many states have embraced the cannabis economy, some elected officials and special interest groups have been reluctant. Entrepreneurs and policymakers in the space will discuss what it means to justify the cannabis economy.
12:00 PM-1:30 PM
MODERATOR: DANIEL WALCOTT
PANELISTS: DR. JAMISA MCIVOR-BENNETT, ALEX AARON, KENNETH WHISENTON, MARCUS GOODWIN
Real estate has become an economic equalizer for Black Americans. Despite this, systemic barriers to real estate ownership and investing have grown. Professionals in the real estate and development space will unpack the importance of government interference in promoting access to home ownership, and best practices to investing in real estate.
2:30 PM-3:30 PM
MODERATOR: JOYCE PHILIPPE
PANELISTS: MAYOR QUINTON LUCAS, KAREN FREEMAN-WILSON, D’BRIA
BRADSHAW, JALISA GILES
The legacy of Black electoral participation has rested on voting rights. While so many of our civil rights icons fought tirelessly to advocate for equal voting rights, the barriers to ballot access are ever present. Advocates in politics, law and elections will speak to us about the present day fight for voting rights.
THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT: CONSERVATION & ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
3:30 PM-3:45 PM
MODERATOR: CHRISTIAN YOHANNES
PANELISTS: JANNA PARKER, EBONY GRIFFIN GUERRIER, RUSSELL
ARMSTRONG
Black and Brown Americans have grown increasingly vulnerable to climate change, loss of land and resource rights, and health risks related to urban development. Learn from environmental justice professionals about advocating the issue and urging government at every level to recognize it as a life or death matter.
