The Hip-Hop Summit Youth Council and the Permanent Mission of El Salvador, along with the Give Them A Hand Foundation, International Council of Women-CIF, Nadus Films, New World Distribution and Aspiration Media Screen the Groundbreaking Film “BBoy for Life” at the United Nations to Create a Global Committee With New Solutions to Address Gun & Gang Violence
Hip-Hop Summit Youth Council will work with the United Nations Development Programme and Ambassador Gonzalez to launch their Hip-Hop Against Gun & Gang Violence Project in El Salvador, Guatemala, Latin America & the Caribbean with Hip-Hop Artists, Athletes, Celebrities, Elected Officials, Community and Business Leaders
The United Nations
New York, NY—April, 16 2014—In an effort to address the gun and gang violence problem here in the U.S., Latin America and the Caribbean, with an initial focus on Guatemala and El Salvador, the Hip-Hop Summit Youth Council and the Permanent Mission of El Salvador, along with the Give Them A Hand Foundation, International Council of Women-CIF, Nadus Films, New World Distribution and Aspiration Media hosted the historic United Nations groundbreaking screening of the hot documentary film “BBoy for Life,” produced and directed by Coury Deeb. The event was a huge success as an audience of over 400 people clapped at the end of the viewing. Before the film’s screening Ambassador Gonzalez of El Salvador greeted the audience telling them how the film could be used as a vehicle to create solutions to prevent gun and gang violence in countries around the world through the formation of a Global Committee ready to think outside the box using non-conventional initiatives to address the root cause of the problem.
Ambassador Gonzalez, who was the moderator, introduced the 5 panelists to the audience asking them to provide an opening statement as to why they were at the screening and the role they would play to end gun and gang violence. The panelists included: Charles Fisher, Crispin Gregoire (UNDP), Coury Deeb, D-Stroy and Chris Thomas. They are also part of the Global Committee. Following the screening a Q&A took place with comments and questions directed to select panelists about the film.
Panelists Chris Thomas, Charles Fisher, Ambassador Gonzalez, Coury Deeb, Crispin Gregoire (UNDP).
“BBoy for Life” is a human interest story that exposes the dangers break-dancers experience in Guatemala when they leave the gang and how young citizens are using the power of BBoying as a way to stay out of trouble and pursue their dreams despite poverty, crime and threats on their life. Gang members who leave the group are hunted and murdered for becoming a BBoy to send a chilling message to others who may want to quit the life. Leidy, who is the co-star of the film, is an active gang member who spent 3.5 years in prison for extortion. Despite being a mother of 2 boys, she continued to live a risky lifestyle until joining the BBoy community where she is now a model citizen.
Cheez, the other co-star, is the leader and instructor of a local BBoy crew. He lost a brother to gang violence because he became a BBoy, quit the gang, and did not want to tell on others. At the end of the day the film provides hope and promise to a beautiful country whose young citizens are using the influence of Hip-Hop to reduce gun and gang violence.
“Our goal with this discussion panel was to look for and propose alternatives that could help reduce or eventually eliminate this regional problem. For example, offering the youth artistic activities like music, dance, theater, etc. that would allow them to remain busy and feel like they are part of a social group that encourages them to be better every day,” stated Ambassador Carlos Enrique Garcia Gonzalez, the Permanent Mission of El Salvador to the United Nations.
“When Hip-Hop was first founded in the South Bronx it was created to address the poverty, crime, unemployment, substance abuse, gun and gang violence that destroyed poor communities. It was a way out for young residents who chose art as a way to escape the madness and pursue their dreams just like the BBoys/Girls in Guatemala. As we approach our 3rd annual Hip-Hop Against Gun & Gang Violence Week from May 16-22, 2014 I want to thank Ambassador Gonzalez, Gordon Tapper, Margo LaZaro and the film’s director/producer Coury Deeb for providing a platform that allows us to take our Hip-Hop Against Gun & Gang Violence Project to poor and disadvantaged communities worldwide. I’m truly looking forward to working with a Global Committee to end the violence,” ended Randy Fisher, Executive Director, Hip-Hop Summit Youth Council.
Panelists take questions from the audience. L to R: Charles Fisher, Ambassador Gonzalez, Coury Deeb, D-Stroy, Crispin Gregoire (UNDP).
Stated Charles Fisher, Founder, Hip-Hop Summit Youth Council, “I want to thank Ambassador Gonzalez for having the courage and vision to sponsor this historic screening of “BBoy for Life” at the United Nations on a day that we also commemorated the assassination of Dr. King. Gangs and terrorist groups need the proceeds from illegal drugs to operate. America is only 5% of the world population, but we consume 2/3 of the illegal drugs making us the world’s biggest drug addict and the largest financer for gangs, the guns they purchase and global terrorists.”
Continued Fisher, “It’s obvious that for 44 years America’s ‘War on Drugs’ has failed and now through the use of the “BBoy for Life” film and our Hip-Hop Against Gun & Gang Violence Project we finally have an opportunity to address the root cause of gun and gang violence on a global level with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Young citizens need the right tools to reduce gun and gang violence and our innovative approach uses Hip-Hop, film, television, sports, art, education, employment and entrepreneurship to improve public safety and empower young citizens.”
“The “BBoy for Life” premier at the UN was a powerful display of what like-minded people and groups can do when they desire to see more art and less evil in the dark corners of our communities both local and global,” stated Coury Deeb, producer/director of “BBoy for Life.”
“The documentary was an eye opening experience into a realistic situation that needs attention. Being a part of this was an honor and will have an impact on all who share a similar situation across the globe at large. BBoy for life!” stated international producer Chris Thomas.
Chris Thomas is also the artist/producer behind the hot single “Die Die” featuring Sliim, the official theme song for the 2014 Hip-Hop Against Gun & Gang Violence Week.
“This film is a vivid and moving presentation of how young people in Guatemala have embraced dance as an alternative to gang violence. The film highlights the unwavering commitment of young people to resist the lure of gangs and to channel their energies towards positive activities. It is a documentary that should be shown to teenagers in schools and in communities all over the Americas,” ended Crispin Gregoire, United Nations Development Programme.
“I’m excited about being part of a panel and a movement that is using Hip-Hop to address gun and gang violence. Whatever the Committee needs me to do to help stop the violence you can count on me,” ended hip-hop pioneer David “D-Stroy” Melendez.
For those not aware Hip-Hop Against Gun & Gang Violence week kicks off a 105-day campaign and tour that coincides with New York State’s Democratic Convention in Suffolk County (May 21-22). The HHSYC intends to use both events as an opportunity to create an alliance between the government of El Salvador and NYS Governor Cuomo to address Gun & Gang violence. The MS 13 Gang is from El Salvador and is one of the most violent gangs in NYS. They have a heavy presence on Long Island and it would behoove all parties to collaborate their efforts to improve public safety. The HHSYC has scheduled a few anti-gang summits on Long Island during the convention and hope that the NYS Democratic leadership will support their work to end gun and gang violence.
With the screening of “BBoy for Life” complete HHSYC will now reach out to countries, businesses, elected officials, celebrities and community leaders that are willing to join them in a “Global Movement” to improve public safety through the reduction of gun and gang violence. “BBoy for Life” will be in limited NYC theaters starting April 17, 2014; for ticket and location info go to: www.Bboyforlifemovie.com.
Gun statue at the United Nations
ABOUT THE HHSYC
The HHSYC was founded in July 2001 by Charles Fisher (also known as the former manager of LL Cool J, the Lost Boyz and co-discoverer of R. Kelly). The organization was created to help implement commitments made by record companies, artists, community leaders and elected officials at the historic 2001 Hip-Hop Summit in New York City. Participants are taught how to constructively use their time, talent and the Hip-Hop culture to improve social, political and economic conditions in their school, home and community. Randy Fisher is the organization’s Executive Director. For additional information, visit www.HHSYC.org.
ABOUT HAGGV
Poverty and illiteracy are the root causes of Gun & Gang Violence, which are the symptoms of the problem. 1 in 5 children under 18 live in poverty. 1.2 million drop out of school annually and take low paying jobs, apply for welfare, join a gang, sell drugs and/or live a life surrounded by crime, gun and gang violence. The Hip-Hop Against Gun & Gang Violence Week Campaign and 7 E’s 4 Power Tour are proactive approaches that use the influence of the Hip-Hop Culture to end Gun & Gang violence.
ABOUT AMBASSADOR GONZALEZ
H.E. Ambassador Gonzalez was appointed as the Permanent Representative of El Salvador to the United Nations on March 13, 2013. Prior to that he served as the Deputy Permanent Representative beginning in June, 2010. He is a career diplomat who has served his country in the United Nations since July, 1996. Previously, he had various responsibilities at the Mission including economic, financial, social, peace and security, peacebuilding, humanitarian, environmental and human rights issues. Before his posting to New York, Mr. Garcia was Director of Multilateral Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in San Salvador in 1996, and Chief of Caribbean Affairs from 1991 to 1995. He holds a special degree in international relations from the Diplomatic Academy of Madrid and a bachelor’s degree in international relations from the University of El Salvador. In this regard, he has represented El Salvador in the Economic and Social Council and many other subsidiary bodies such as the Commission on Social Development, the former Commission on Human Rights, the Commission on the Status of Women, the Commission on Population and Development and the Peace Building Commission. Born in San Salvador on 22 August 1966, Mr. Gonzalez is married and has a daughter.
For more information on the United Nations or the Permanent Mission of El Salvador please contact us at RandyKFisher@gmail.com.
Posted by Charles and Randy Fisher (Twitter @HHSYC).
