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Rappers and Entertainers Kick Off 'My Hood Votes' in Compton
Son Rap Legend Eazy E, Eric "Lil Eazy E" Wright Jr.
and
Rapper Mack 10 Among Those who Participated


Los Angeles, CA - On Saturday, October 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
MY HOOD VOTES©, a grassroots education and mobilization campaign designed to engage non-traditional voters in underserved Black neighborhoods commonly referred to as 'the hood', kicked off operations in the City of Compton with the son of rap legend and philanthropist Eazy E, Eric "Lil Eazy E" Wright Jr.
With an emphasis on educating ex-felons on their right to vote if they have complete parole, MY HOOD VOTES© has partnered with various rappers and entertainers in an effort to connect with these non-traditional voters who aren't influenced by elected officials, who don't watch the news or political debates, who aren't online, and who are not currently engaged in the upcoming election, other than knowing that a Black man is running for President.


These potential voters are often overlooked by voter education campaigns in an effort to reach more likely voters such as the Black middle class and seniors. In addition to MY HOOD VOTES© voter education and mobilization efforts, there will be a call for peace in the streets on Election Day, Tuesday, November 4 throughout California so that voters in all neighborhoods can feel safe to get out the vote.


Originally the concept of journalist and political activist Jasmyne Cannick, MY HOOD VOTES© is being spearheaded by rapper Eric "Lil Eazy E" Wright Jr.
, with support from radio personality The Poetess (Co-Host The Foxx Hole w/Jamie Foxx), celebrity publicist Amy Malone, community activist Niele Anderson, political consultant Herb Wesson III, and Minister Tony Muhammad of the Nation of Islam.
Notable celebrities joining the call include rapper Mack 10, Big Boy (Power 106 radio personality), Guy Black (Radio Free KJLH 102.
3FM radio personality), rapper DJ Pooh, comedian Lunelle, and actress Terra Menyone, ("The Shield").


Beginning in Compton and traveling throughout South Los Angeles, including The Projects, MY HOOD VOTES© will focus on connecting with brothers and sisters who are not engaged in the political process on why their vote matters and how each election-local, state, and national-effects 'the hood.
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"It's time for brothers and sisters to put down their bullets and pick up the ballot and represent for their hoods in a different way," commented Eric 'Lil Eazy E' Wright Jr. "I am 23, and this is the first time in my life that I ever registered to vote and I want to help other brothers and sisters do the same. We can make a difference if we choose to.
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"Welfare mothers, gangbangers, hustlers, prostitutes, dope dealers, the homeless---are all potential voters, and if every vote counts, well then, so does theirs," commented co-organizer Jasmyne Cannick. "While we are not hitting the streets to provide life counseling, the hope is that those who decide to engage this November 4 in the political process will see that there is more than one way to represent for 'the hood' and are given the tools and information to make that happen.
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"It's important to connect with this group of possible voters with people whom they identify with and respect and that's not always going to be elected officials, who are sometimes seen as a part of the problem," commented radio personality The Poetess. "It also shows the world that rappers and entertainers who have made it out of 'the hood' are giving back to the hood.
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Because MY HOOD VOTES© is in its infancy stage, for the November 2008 Presidential election, the focus will be on Southern California with plans of expanding it nationally over the next four years leading into the 2012 Presidential election. MY HOOD VOTES© will also focus on local and state elections, as they have huge impact on the quality of life for the often forgotten men, women, and children living in 'the hood.
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From MY HOOD VOTES© town hall meetings that actually take place in 'the hood' to registering potential voters right where they are---even if it means setting up camp in front of liquors and swapmeets-My MY HOOD VOTES© is less concerned with its online presence, since the majority of their audience isn't online, and are more concerned with taking care of business in the streets.


For more information on MY HOOD VOTES©, please visit www. MyHoodVotes. com.

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