New York, NY, December 11, 2008: Russell Simmons, Valeisha Butterfield, Dr. Benjamin Chavis and the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN) announced today plans to sponsor the first Hip-Hop Inaugural Ball on January 19, 2009 at the prestigious Harman Center for the Arts, 610 F Street, NW, Washington, D.C.
The Hip-Hop Inaugural Ball is a fundraiser with ticket proceeds going to the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network to continue its non-profit work in helping to serve as a catalyst for education advocacy and other empowerment programs for young adults throughout the United States.
Tickets can be purchased on a first come, first served basis by going to www.Hiphopinaugural.org or www.HSAN.org .
The Hip-Hop Inaugural Ball will kick off with a star-studded red carpet and celebrity sponsorship reception at 8pm at the Harman Center, followed by an awards presentation, recognizing hip-hop artists who’ve helped to generate the largest youth voter turnout in American history. A VIP party on all four levels of the venue will follow. The Hip-Hop Inaugural Ball is a black tie gala and will run from 8pm – 2am on January 20.
Russell Simmons, Chairman and Co-founder of HSAN, emphasized, “We are celebrating the inauguration of Barack Obama as President of the United States, and the magnificent turn out of young voters across America. Hip-Hop is all about transformation and it is a thrill to help make this history.”
Valeisha Butterfield, Executive Director of HSAN, affirmed, “The Hip-Hop Inaugural Ball will focus on the significant contributions of hip-hop moguls and artists that helped inspire and mobilize the largest youth voter turn-out in American history. This is a celebration and a commitment to sustain the civic engagement of young people.”
The Hip-Hop Inaugural Ball Host Committee is a select group of hip-hop leaders and artists who have expressed their endorsement and support including T-Pain, Akon, Bryan-Michael Cox, Big Jon Platt, Fat Joe, MC Lyte, Terrence J, Devyne Stephens, Mario, Ginuwine, DJ Don Cannon, and others to be announced.
The Hip-Hop Inaugural Ball Event Committee members include: Zachary McDaniels, Committee Chairperson; Aisha and Desho Productions, Lisa Bennett, Sonjay DeCaires, Drath, LaRian Finney and VMG, Inc., Jasmin Franjul, Jill Henry, Miya Jones, Jody L. Miller and JLM PR, The Murphy Law Firm and Lindsey Williams.
Dr Benjamin Chavis, President and Co-founder of HSAN, concluded,”The Hip-Hop Inaugural Ball will be a dignified and elegant celebration of this historic, transformative Inauguration. TI and LL Cool J, along with the Hip-Hop Caucus’ Respect My Vote campaign, will be given much deserved awards for their outstanding leadership to get the vote out. It will be the hottest Inaugural celebration party in Washington, DC.”
About Hip-Hop Summit Action Network
The Hip-Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN) is the largest, worldwide non- profit 501(c)(4), non-partisan coalition of hip-hop artists and entertainment industry executives united in the belief that hip-hop is an instrumental agent for positive social change. HSAN is a social change, program driven non-profit organization that creates strong, effective relationships and brand loyalty between companies, organizations and their consumers. We are a full- service, multi-national organization dedicated to creating, planning and executing cause marketing campaigns for our partners. HSAN also has a sister organization entitled the Hip-Hop Research and Education Fund 501(c)(3).
