Are organizations like the Urban League and NAACP still relevant today?

Recently the Urban League of Champaign County was closed due to a loss of major federal funds that were pulled from the organization based on allegations of theft and misappropriation of their use. In recent years, organizations like the Urban League and NAACP have come under attack as being irrelevant in today's society because it appears that racism is not as prevelant as it once was and now that a black man has been elected to the presidency, organizations like the ones mentioned above continue to perpetuate the idea that race remains a factor of inequity in the U.S.. Should folks of the Hip Hop Generation begin assuming roles of leadership in these historic organizations or should they develop organizations with missions reflective of issues that impact American society today?

How do you think President Obama will impact Hip Hop generations?

When was the first time you recognized that race, gender, or economic status mattered?

I want you to place this question in the context of your lived experience anywhere. How did it make you feel or think about your space and place in modern society.

What organizations or individuals work do you admire, particularly as it relates to strengthening society, and why?

I really want you to think about the work you admire that has made a difference in someone's life and/or community. Religious, civic, business, entertainment, education, or labor are just a few of the areas that you can consider discussing. It could be someone current or past. What is it about their work that makes you say "WOW."

If you had the resources of Russell Simmons, how would you address the condition of the African American male or community in general?

What did you learn at The Condition of the African American Male Town Hall and how can Hip Hop be used to address the five categories mentioned?

The Condition of the African American Male Town Hall was an opportunity for you to learn about the culture of policy initiatives or bills. In this instance, discovering the role that Hip Hop will play in the process is where you begin forming questions such as What sort of programs or projects have been used in the past to support African American men and how successful were they? What sort of funding will be availble to communities poised to address the issues?, Who will be targeted to do that work?, How authentic will they be to the population that they serve?, How will success be evaluated?

When you go back to Chang's book, you'll find similar reoccurring themes, themes such as poor housing, high unemployment, fatherless homes, etc.. Use the content of your reading to help provide a cultural context to position the bill as you develop your project proposal. Through your work or proposal you may be able to help recommend strategies for implementation on a local and statewide level.

In concluding Jeff Chang's book, what were consistent themes that continued to emerge in Hip Hop's evolution, and how has it impacted today's youth?