The Hip-Hop Summit Youth Council, created to improve the image of the rap community and encourage its members to have a positive impact on their communities and the world, took part in the recent Stand Up, Take Action, End Poverty Now! campaign.
Organizations around the world joined in the initiative, bringing together more than 173 million people and earning recognition from the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest mobilization of people in history. Designed to pressure governments to end hunger, improve maternal health and abolish agricultural subsidies, the campaign is in its fourth year.
The HHSYC, however, has been around since 2001. It was established after the Hip Hop Summit, held in June of that year, by Charles Fisher of St. Albans, who’s been a part of the rap world since the beginning. Fisher, second from left, has managed artists including LL Cool J and R. Kelly, been a consultant to Russell Simmons and Quincy Jones and founded organizations to support the southeastern Queens community.
Joining in the event with Fisher here are Emory Jones, left, a teacher at William Grady High School; Devon Donaldson, president of the Alpha Obama Club; Orel Sanchez, the club’s vice president; Ralph McDaniels of Video Music Box and Hot 97 Radio; and Randy Fisher, Charles’ son and executive director of the HHSYC.
The HHSYC has held several of its own community events in Queens at locations including the Barack Obama Change Movement office in Jamaica and the Lefrak City Community Center in Corona. Details about the organization are available at hhsyc.org.
— Peter C. Mastrosimone
