The guest list for the big anniversary event includes:

• Kev Choice
• OPIO of Hieroglyphics
• 2nd Floor Samurais
• BPOS
• Ren the Vinyl Archaeologist

And maybe a special guest or two will also make an appearance as we join together in celebration of the organization’s three year fight on the front lines of important cultural and social justice issues.

Who is HipHopForChange?

Founded in Oakland by activist and local hip hop artist Khafre Jay in 2013, HipHopForChange works to counteract negative stereotypes too often portrayed within the mainstream media. The brand of hip hop widely celebrated within the music industry is of particular concern to the organization.

According to its founders, negative associations with hip hop culture play a role in criminalizing minorities and, in particular, young people. An unbalanced portrayal of the culture is largely depicted through music glorifying violence, sexism, materialism, drug abuse and a host of other negative images. HipHopForChange actively works to educate young people on the full, rich history of hip hop culture, including the much more diverse and positive role that it plays in society beyond mainstream music.

HipHopForChange further uses hip hop culture to actively address issues of misogyny, homophobia and other socio-economic injustices prevalent in everyday life. Working directly with young people at schools and within communities, the 501(c)3 organization also regularly showcases conscious hip hop artists at live events in an effort to spread messages of unity and social change.

HipHopForChange has helped young, often disadvantaged, students draw upon hip hop’s influence to pen their own lyrics as a way to interpret and express their own realities. Educating young people on these issues and inviting them to lend their voices is why the organization also hosts fundraising events to support other local programs with similar agendas, as well as public discussions. HipHopForChange even canvasses the streets providing people with CDs, which deliver messages of equality and justice for all.

In just three years of organized activism, HipHopForChange has received awards from the Zellerbach Family Foundation and the Bill Graham Foundation. More than 5,000 people have also given financial support to this most worthwhile non-profit through various fundraisers and through direct donations toward their CDs. Now, you can also show your support of their vision by attending the April 2nd anniversary party and cheering HipHopForChange on into the future!

HipHopForChange Anniversary Information and Tickets

Mark your calendars for the anniversary celebration which will be held on April 2 at 9p at the Uptown Nightclub located at 1928 Telegraph Ave. in Oakland. Get your tickets right now through Eventbrite or contact us if you need more information. If you are a member of the media and would like a VIP pass, we’re happy to hook you up. Last, but not least, be ready to seriously party on April 2nd and we’ll see you there!

Written by Laura S.

HipHopForChange is a pro bono client that we are proud to be assisting via our University of San Francisco Communications class 

We are thrilled to assist Bay Area-based nonprofit ASIAN, Inc. in what is sure to be a spectacular gala on Friday, September 18. Held at the SF Design Center Galleria and appropriately named “A Force For Good,” we wholeheartedly support ASIAN Inc.’s mission of creating opportunities in housing, financial services and entrepreneurship for minorities and people living in low and moderate income communities. We are clear on our own reasons for assisting with the gala and we want to share with you the reasons why you should plan to attend, as well.

Who is ASIAN, Inc.?

First, a little background on this powerful non-profit organization and its importance to the community. Since its inception in 1971, ASIAN Inc. has worked tirelessly to ensure that women and men from low and moderate income communities know about the potentially life-changing opportunities that are available to them. Such opportunities include those within the housing sector, financial services and within the entrepreneurial landscape.

With the assistance of partners like the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency, ASIAN, Inc. offers several programs aimed at helping to improve financial literacy and break down barriers to home ownership. The agency is also deeply committed to helping women and other minorities thrive in business by offering certification programs, technical assistance and increasing access to opportunities. More information about ASIAN Inc.’s programs, services, partners and accomplishments can be reviewed at their website.

5 Reasons Why You Should Attend “A Force For Good” on September 18th:

1. ASIAN Inc. is providing a powerful opportunity to network with a number of well-respected and influential business and community partners, as well as several elected officials.

2. Become part of a movement to widen diversity pipelines for talented and qualified minorities living and working in the Bay Area.

3. Join in recognizing deserving honorees such as Richard Lui of MSNBC; Retired Presiding Judge Honorable Harry Y. Low; Noel Lee, CEO of Monster Cable; Florence Kong, CEO of Kwan Wo Ironworks, Inc. and Cheryl Timoney, Pro Bono Manager at Salesforce.

4. Show your personal and professional commitment to diversity.

5. Enjoy live entertainment courtesy of Bay Area-based band The Delivery, including an open beer/wine bar.

As if you needed more reasons to support this most worthwhile fundraising gala, consider that sponsorship opportunities are also still available. If your company would like to sponsor this non-profit event or offer more prominent support to ASIAN Inc., please contact us.

Will We See You There?

Are you planning to attend the “Force For Good” gala? Would you care to share your own reasons for doing so? We look forward to hearing from you and be sure to say hello in person at the SF Design Center Galleria on September 18th!

Tickets for ASIAN, Inc.’s “A Force For Good” Gala available at www.asianinc.org/gala

Written by Laura S.