BET Panel on Gun Violence

from the inbox:

LOS ANGELES, CA, June 24, 2013 – According to the Children’s Defense Fund, homicide is the leading cause of death among 15 to 24-year-old African Americans. As we face these staggering realities, today, the League of Young Voters Education Fund (LYVEF), Snoop Lion (aka Snoop Dogg) and BET Networks announce a partnership to further address the issue of gun violence in black communities across the country. 

The partnership goes live on June 29, 2013, during BET Experience at L.A. Live weekend in Los Angeles, CA. The League of Young Voters Education Fund, Snoop Lion and BET will host No Guns Allowed: Disarming Violence in Our Community, a roundtable dialogue on the impact of gun violence in urban communities. The League of Young Voters also enlisted the NAACP Youth & College Division and Casey Family Programs to join the cause and sponsor the event. 

Confirmed panelists for the roundtable 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 engage around practical solutions to the gun violence issue, the value of human life and community responsibility. LYVEF Executive Director, Dr. Rob “Biko” Baker will moderate the panel and lead the engaging discussion.  

“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 the Major Lazer produced song that features Drake and his daughter Cori B. “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.” Check out Snoop Lion’s thoughts on the collaboration here:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G44YY9K9soA.