Hip-Hop & The 2008 Presidential Election

In 2004, more than 20 million 18-29 year-olds voted for president—an increase of 4.6 million voters up from the year 2000. 2004 was the highest level of national youth voter participation in over a decade. Much of the voter increase can be attributed to efforts on the part of young activists and organizers to galvanize the youth vote using the power and influence of hip-hop, the pop youth culture of our time. The 2008 presidential election was an electrifying race for young people, where youth voters again increased their participation. Now, more than ever, hip-hop’s ability to morph into a political force is being tested like never before. Presented in a townhall meeting format, this highly interactive 90-minute forum is led by leading hip-hop activists, scholars and artists.

  • Voter registration and voter education—what’s at stake for youth?
  • What are the political issues that matter to the hip-hop generation?
  • Why the hip-hop vote counts and to whom?