To help address the issue of gun violence in black communities across America, Snoop Lion has announced his new partnership with BET Networks and the League of Young Voters Education Fund (LYVEF). The partnership will go live today during the BET Experience at L.A. Live weekend in Los Angeles. The rapper, cable music network and the civic engagement organization will host ‘No Guns Allowed: Disarming Violence in Our Community,’ a roundtable dialogue on the impact of gun violence in urban communities.
The LYVEF has also enlisted the NAACP Youth & College Division and Casey Family Programs to join the cause and sponsor the event, which will stream live today at 4pm PT at the JW Marriott in L.A. Confirmed panelists for the discussion include Snoop Lion, T.I., Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-Calif.), H.E.L.P.E.R. Foundation Executive Director Melvyn Hayward Jr., writer and director of the critically acclaimed movie on gun violence ‘Fruitvale Station’ Ryan Coogler and Executive Director of New Generation Foundation, Brandon Jones. The participants will discuss the practical solutions to gun violence, the value of human life and community responsibility.
The LYVEF’s No Guns Allowed campaign was inspired by Snoop Lion’s song of the same name, which was released in April and features his daughter Cori B and Drake. The campaign has garnered national media attention from several outlets, including PET and streetwear clothing line Crooks & Castles, which has released a No Guns Allowed t-shirt.
“‘No Guns Allowed’ was written about a very personal incident with my family which I talk about in the ‘Reincarnated’ documentary,” Snoop Lion said about his song. “I’m proud the song has sparked a movement and I’m excited about collaborating with the League of Young Voters and BET to spread the message.”
“I am humbled by the opportunity to have this important and necessary conversation with such influential people,” said LYVEF Executive Director, Dr. Rob “Biko” Baker. “This is just the beginning and I am thankful that Snoop Lion is helping us kick it off the right way.”
“We are always excited when we are able to partner with artists who use their considerable reach to bring attention to important social issues,” said Sonya Lockett, Vice-President, Social Responsibility, BET Networks. “he problem of gun violence is so pervasive in our community that it will take the voices and actions of every sector to make an impact and we are happy to marry BET’s DISARM campaign with the efforts of Snoop and the League of Young Voters.”
The public can join the No Guns Allowed movement by taking a pledge against violence and submitting their stories and photos on how they’ve been affected by gun violence by using the hashtag #NoGunsAllowed. To watch the roundtable discussion today, check out the video below, which will show the Full Event Page, complete with photos, text and video, until the event begins automatically streaming live today at 4pm PT.
Written by: Karen Benardello