Hip-Hop Against Gun & Gang Violence Project Partners With Mayor Bloomberg For National Launch In 1005 Cities Through His Mayors Against Illegal Guns Organization
Project Also Partners With UNAIDS And The United Nations For Global Launch In 193 Countries
By Charles Fisher and Randy Fisher @HHSYC
Mayor Bloomberg, Randy Fisher, Charles Fisher and Commissioner Ray Kelly hold up 2nd annual Hip-Hop Against Gun & Gang Violence Week Proclamation in the Mayor’s office at City Hall. Photo by Kristen Artz.
The journey to reduce gun and gang violence is not an easy one, especially when the Hip-Hop brand we represent is so often associated with violence. After 10 years of research and development (started in 2004 at a cost of about 1 million dollars) we have finally created a viable, innovative, cost-efficient model with a statistically proven track record of success that can help reduce gun and gang violence in any community. After the success we had in 2012 we wanted to be absolutely sure before we went public, so we tested the model for a second year and the results were even better for 2013.
Our multi-faceted public health approach addresses the “Root Causes” of gun and gang violence which are Poverty and Ignorance. Our program targets unemployment, the dropout rates, substance abuse, and gun and gang violence. Over the next several weeks we will share our crime fighting initiative every Thursday through our “Hip-Hop ‘Hood Report” column. It is our mission to inform and educate others that value public safety and are looking for effective ways to keep their community safe.
We will touch on our new partnership with the NYPD and how our collaborative efforts continue to keep crime down in the greatest city in the world and the safest big city in America. Strong community policing is the key because most crimes are solved by the police through the help of the community they serve. The police are only as strong as the communities they represent.
We have implemented a new “Community Code of Conduct” (CCC) that uses the power of the NYPD and “Committed Community Concerned Citizens” (CCCC) to keep our neighborhoods safe. We have strong relationships with gangs, in and out of prison, and formerly incarcerated citizens who want to be a “part of the solution and not the problem.” They have been assisting us in our efforts to protect the turf they live, work and operate in. Wise men and women know that it is not proper to “Crap” where you eat.
We are living in tough times and we must all step up to the plate to protect our children, seniors and vulnerable citizens from the criminal element that preys on law-abiding residents. If we all do our job there will be no need for policies like Stop, Question and Frisk because police go where the noise is and bring the necessary drama to put out the fire. Through our CCC we “Deter and Detect” crime and use our influence and network in the streets to put out the fire before anyone gets burned.
Sharieff Fisher, Randy Fisher, Charles Fisher along with Inez Dickens, Al Vann, Julissa Ferreras, Deborah Rose, Christine Quinn and other Council members making presentation at City Hall for 2nd annual Hip-Hop Against Gun and Gang Violence Week. Photo by William Alatriste.
We can not afford to have the city return to the crime and chaos we experienced during the crack-infested days of the 80’s that caused the city to peak at 2,245 murders in 1990. Compared to the 419 murders in 2012 that is a big difference. There are many contributors to our success that we will highlight in upcoming articles, but first we want to recognize the City Councilmembers that signed our Hip-Hop Against Gun & Gang Violence Week Proclamations including: Councilmembers Christine Quinn, Inez Dickens, Jumaane Williams, Charles Barron, Leroy Comrie, Robert Jackson, Letitia James, Andy King, Donovan Richards, Joel Rivera, Deborah Rose, Larry Seabrook, Peter Vallone, Jr., Albert Vann and Ruben Wills.
We want to also send a very special thanks to everyone in the pictures for going the extra mile to help us test the pilot created to keep our communities safe. We want to send a very special shoutout to Mayor Bloomberg, Commissioner Ray Kelly, Councilwoman Inez Dickens, Speaker Christine Quinn, Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano, Uncle Ralph McDaniels, the Source Magazine and our board member, friend and Star from the ABC hit TV show Shark Tank, “The Shark” Daymond John, who has stood by our side from day one. Each has stood with us for both Proclamation presentations and we are looking forward to their continued support.
As we move forward to combat violence on a national and global level the Mayors Against Illegal Guns is a national, bipartisan coalition of mayors working to make America’s communities safer by keeping illegal guns out of dangerous hands. Co-founded in 2006 by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino, the coalition consists of more than 1,000 mayors from 46 states, including Republicans, Democrats, and Independents, from major cities and small towns around the country. There are more than 1.5 million grassroots supporters, making the group the largest gun violence prevention advocacy organization in the country. The group’s focus is on making sure law enforcement agencies have the tools they need to detect and deter gun trafficking. For more information about Mayors Against Illegal Guns please visit their website at www.MayorsAgainstIllegalGuns.org.
The flags in front of the UN.
The twisted gun statue in front of the UN.
In addition, through our partnership with UNAIDS and other United Nation agencies we will be launching this project in 193 countries using the power of social media and the global influence of Hip-Hop to address issues of youth violence worldwide. For the last seven years we have been working with the United Nations promoting their Millennium Development Goals, which are eight principles created to improve conditions in poor and undeveloped countries by 2015. Working to reduce conflict, terrorism and gun violence abroad is another way to keep America safe. When the community, law enforcement agencies, business and political leaders work together we can improve public safety and make this a better nation and a safer world.
12th Annual Youth Assembly at the UN supports the HAGV Solution Summit at Dag Hammarskjold park.
Below is the press release reporting on the final results of the 109-day campaign. There will be a more detailed report released by the end of the month.
THE HIP-HOP SUMMIT YOUTH COUNCIL (HHSYC) AND THEIR HIP-HOP AGAINST GUN & GANG VIOLENCE PROJECT HELPED REDUCE GUN HOMICIDES DURING MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND BY 50% IN 2012 AND 70% IN 2013 THANKS TO A UNIQUE CRIME FIGHTING PARTNERSHIP WITH THE NYC POLICE DEPARTMENT
Gun murders were also down by 40.5% between Memorial Day Weekend and Labor Day in 2013 compared to 2011 thanks to a new Community Code of Conduct
New York, NY October 15, 2013—To keep New York the safest big city in the country the HHSYC and their Hip-Hop Against Gun & Gang Violence Project completed their second annual campaign to curb gun and gang violence while also working with NYC Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly to improve relations between the Police and community residents. To support the 109-day campaign, which started Memorial Day Weekend and ended Labor Day, Proclamations once again were presented to the HHSYC by Mayor Bloomberg, the NYC Council and Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano declaring May 24-27, 2013 as Hip-Hop Against Gun & Gang Violence Week in NYC and Nassau County.
The success of the campaign is measured in two parts: first by the number of deaths by firearm over the 96-hour Memorial Day Weekend period; second by the number of firearm deaths between Memorial Day Weekend and Labor Day. According to statistics the proactive groundbreaking initiative that kicked off during Memorial Day Weekend (the unofficial start of summer when gun violence spikes) was an overwhelming success for the second consecutive year. There were 10 murders by firearm in 2011 compared to 6 in 2012 (a 40% reduction from the launch of the 2012 campaign). There were 3 in 2013 (a 50% reduction compared to 2012 and an amazing 70% reduction when compared to 2011). In addition, between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day (the unofficial end of summer) there were 111 murders by firearm in 2011 compared to 93 in 2012 (a 16.2% reduction) and 66 in 2013 (a 29% reduction when compared to 2012). When you compare 2011 to 2013 there was an unbelievable 40.5% reduction.
Randy Fisher, HHSYC Board Member and TV Star from ABC’s Shark Tank, Daymond John holding Banner and Proclamation from Mayor Bloomberg and Charles Fisher.
The numbers speak for themselves and leave no doubt that this tested, innovative approach to curb gun and gang violence during the most violent season of the year is a winner. This collaborative approach shows that when the community and NYPD work as a team they can keep crime down which keeps the city safe. Community policing is a very affective tool to help improve public safety by deterring and detecting crime, especially now that we no longer have Stop, Question & Frisk.
Daymond holding Proclamation from Mayor Bloomberg.
Some initiatives coordinated by the HHSYC with their partners to support the campaign included: the coordination of “Solution Summits,” which rewarded young citizens for telling us creative ways to curb gun and gang violence; promoting a series of gun buy back events with the NYC Council and NYPD; working with Nassau County Executive Edward Managno to launch the hot new “Shot Spotter” crime fighting technology that provides video footage of gun shootings making it easer to solve gun crimes; working with Geraldo Rivera, host of Geraldo At Large (on Fox News) to promote the exceptional work of a host of community parterres who were risking their lives to end gun violence; launch of the Community Ambassadors for Peace (CAP) initiative to detect and deter crime; working with Def Jam Records, Hot 97 radio, the Source Magazine, Dr. Jays, and the Daymond John Academy to offer perks, internships and jobs to those that signed up to be a part of the solution and not the problem; and by sponsoring “Rap 2 Bridge the Gap” sessions to improve relations between NYPD, students and the community.
Since the end of Stop, Question and Frisk gun violence has increased 13% and gun seizures have declined by 17%. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to see where this is going. In order to keep the community safe without Stop, Question and Frisk citizens and the private sector must step up to the plate and play a more proactive role to improve public safety and that is the message we are preaching citywide. If you eliminate an affective policy, you must find a viable replacement to keep the criminals in check.
Stated Mayor Bloomberg “N.Y. is proud to be a national leader in the efforts to keep illegal guns out of the hands of dangerous people. As a result of our commitment and hard work, crime in the five boroughs is down to historic lows, but of course, there is always more we can do to ensure the health and safety of all our residents. Strong partnerships among the police, government, schools, and community-based organizations are key to sustaining the progress we have made, which is why we applaud the Hip-Hop Summit Youth Council for its efforts to build a better city. Together, we can not only prevent violence, but also help young men, especially, access the opportunities they need to stay on the right track in school and beyond.”
Sharieff Fisher, Randy Fisher, Uncle Ralph McDaniels from Video Music Box and Charles Fisher holding Proclamation from City Council.
In 1990 NYC experienced 2,245 homicides. To reduce the violence 10,000 officers were hired peaking to 41,000 in 2001. NYPD now has 34,000 officers, 7,000 fewer than 2001, but yet crime continues to decline. This displays the tactical crime fighting experience of the Commissioner and his unique ability to help NYC remain the safest big city in the country with fewer resources.
“After the chaos caused by the crack epidemic of the 80’s and the terrorist attack on 9/11 there is nothing more important to the citizens and tourists that visit New York than public safety. Crime and violence are bad for the economy and like him or not, Ray Kelly is doing an outstanding job. I hope the next Mayor does not play Political Roulette with our safety. You know how the saying goes, “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it,” and any experimental change could become a public relations nightmare for the party and administration in charge. Especially with a new poll showing that 50% support Stop, Question & Frisk and want Ray Kelly to remain as Commissioner,” ended Charles Fisher, Founder, HHSYC.
“Through this initiative I get to talk to rookie officers and let them know that the community appreciates their dedication to the job. This goes a long way towards improving community and police relations. By working with Community Affairs officers, the Precinct Community Council, students, community groups and local businesses we can also keep crime down. I want to thank Mayor Bloomberg, the NYC Council, and Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano for the Proclamations. I also want to thank Commissioner Kelly for believing in our program and allowing us the opportunity to creatively work with the Department to help reduce crime the last several years during the hot summer months and improve relations between NYPD and the community,” stated Randy Fisher, Executive Director, HHSYC.
Randy Fisher, Nassau County Executive Edward Managano and Charles Fisher Holding 2nd Annual
Hip-Hop Against Gun & Gang Violence Week Proclamation.
IT’S IMPORTANT TO WORK WITH YOUR NEIGHBORS TO STOP CRIME AND EDWARD MANGANO HAS BEEN THERE FOR NASSAU COUNTY AND NEW YOUR CITY.
Photo by Mike Tamborrino.
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.
For info on how you can get involved check out our Hip-Hop ‘Hood Report Column every Thursday and you can also hit us up at: hiphopsyc@aol.com.
