How did NYC Hip Hop Social Justice warriors, get healthy plant based foods in their schools?
June 23, 2021 Press Release
Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) and Rep. Jamaal Bowman, Ed.D (D-NY) introduced the Healthy Future Students and Earth Pilot Program Act. This bill would create a voluntary grant program for school districts to help schools provide healthier, climate friendly, and culturally appropriate plant-based entrée options to students. Hip Hop is Green's New York City Chapter leader and Executive Director of Chilis on Wheels, Eloisa Trinidad, worked with a coalition of several organizations to help craft this bill. Fred (Doc) Beasley, Founder & Chapter Leader of NYC HIPHOP IS GREEN. guides New York City's youth to the numerous benefits of plant based living which according to Fred “... creates a smorgasbord of positive side effects that directly impacts the health and wellness of all sentient beings as well as that of Mother Earth."
“Every child deserves healthy, nutritious, and sustainable meals that respects their choice,” said Representative Velázquez. “The Healthy Future Students and Earth Pilot Program Act will invest in the health of our children and help combat climate change by funding plant-based entrées in schools across the country. I’m proud to champion legislation that would deliver food justice for all and build a greener, healthier future for our kids.”
But this movement didn’t start with politicians it started with grass-roots activism. Keith Tucker a “committed community activist and businessman for over 20 years worked hundreds of businesses, youth groups and community organizations for many years. He worked with icons in the entertainment business as a promoter, activist and culture builder. Kieth
spearheaded protests against the stereotyping of Hip Hop artists and mentored many youth over the years.
In 2008 Keith hosted his own radio show (the Keith Tucker Show) and subsequently embarked on a documentary film project entitled "Pursuit of a Green Planet" When he visited the Seattle Vegfest and tasted vegan food for the first time the experience was a catalysts for him to start to serve free plant based meals to the youth in the community and bring Hip Hop performers to entertain and educate a new generation through the Hip Hop Green Dinners. His goal was not only to improve the health of the youth but expand their minds to thinking outside of the box and exploring options readily available to improve your situation. He was empowering youth.
So in 2009 he held the first Hip Hop Green Dinner in history. Since then he has assembled the largest team of Hip Hop artists and educators in the world all with the goal of bringing health and wellness to youth and families around the country. In 2015 he was the architect of the Hip Hop is Green tour, first ever national plant based Hip Hop tour in history. In 2016, he produced the historic 10th Element of Hip Hop Health and Wellness tour and officially implemented “Health and Wellness” as the 10th element of Hip Hop Culture.
Hip Hop is Green played a critical role representing and working on behalf of BIPOC youth.
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