With a goal to target issues in the Black communities of New York City that are often bypassed, the people of Hip-Hop culture are seeking to take on these issues in the next state elections by forming a political party line called the New American Party, the NY Daily News reports.
Jineea Butler, the founder of the Hip-Hop Union, is responsible for the launch of the New American Party. The line is primarily focused on defining the interests of “urban issues” throughout the Black and Latino communities of New York City. With New York City being the founding rock of Hip-Hop culture, the party aims to reflect the movement’s triggering vices and push for potent change.
“We’re looking for somebody that can energize the vote so we can clear the 50,000 votes (needed to secure a guaranteed ballot line the next four years) and someone who resonates with millennials and young folks,” Butler said.
Aiming to gain maximum communal involvement, Butler reached out to Busta Rhymes about possibly running for governor for of behalf of the profound line and he reportedly did not commit to the request. Butler also reached out to LL Cool J but, he has yet to respond. Not only did she reach out to Busta and LL, but many others prospects including Democrat Jumaane Williams and attorney general Keith Wofford. Born Eric Barrier, the legendary Eric B. (Eric B. and Rakim) is also involved with the formation of the New American Party.
“We’re juggling a bunch of candidates we can look at from the hip hop community,” she said. “Hip hop changed the world 40, 45 years ago when it started. It just gave people an absolute freedom of speech. We want to use that same principle with a strong agenda that addresses economic disparity and prosperity-driven initiatives.”
Butler, who is currently a Republican congressional candidate against D-Rep. Adriano Espaillat finds a severe case of imbalance on the ballots when it comes to the Democratic party and the Black community. According to Butler, because of the fact majority of African-Americans traditionally vote democrat, it leaves the Republican party in a state of complete disinterest as for urban issues and leaves room for Democrat representatives to take advantage of the community’s vote.
In order for the New American Party to be able to participate in the New York State elections, supporters of the line must garner 15,000 signatures statewide by August 21.
