 With the Pennsylvania primary less than a week away, T.I. and a full cast of his peers — including Ciara, Flo Rida, Gorilla Zoe, Webbie, Lil Boosie and Jim Jones — are heading to Philadelphia this weekend to remind the youth to go to the polls. Do you plan on voting this year? For who?
The Hip-Hop Summit Action Network, in association with the Hip-Hop Research and Education Fund and PowerPAC, will have their Turn Up the Vote National Hip-Hop Summit at Temple University on Sunday. It's dedicated to encouraging voting among young people.
"I am pleased to have the opportunity to travel to Philadelphia to participate in the Hip-Hop Summit," T.I. said in a released statement Wednesday (April 16) that alluded his recent legal troubles. "We are going to encourage young people to go out to vote. I personally know the value of having the right to vote and it taken away from you, but I will add my voice to help inspire others to take seriously this right and responsibility."
Russell Simmons, a founder of the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network, will also participate in the event on Sunday. "T.I.'s commitment to serve and to give back to the community is a shining example of the best of hip-hop," he said in a statement. "The Hip-Hop Summit Action Network and the Hip-Hop Research and Education Fund continue to provide opportunities for artists and others to empower youth."
Late last month, T.I. agreed to serve 1,500 hours of community service as part of plea agreement in trial on firearm charges. Tip's arrangement calls for him to give positive messages to kids, and this weekend's event is just one of many stops for him. Besides voting, Tip, Simmons and company will also aim to spread awareness about poverty, healthcare, education, the war in Iraq and alcohol and drug prevention.
Webbie and his partner Lil' Boosie, DJ Green Lantern, the Lox's Styles P, newcomer singer O'Neal McKnight and southern MC Gorilla Zoe are also said to be participating in the event.
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