• Hip-Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN)
• Hip hop group rings NASDAQ bell (FCN, 06-28-2007)
• The global moves of hip hop (FCN, 09-13-2006)
• Hip hop summit hits LA with ‘One Mind, One Vote’ campaign (FCN, 03/06/2004)
• Farrakhan challenges the hip hop community (FCN, 11/2003)

(l) Dr. Benjamin Chavis Muhammad, (r) Russell Simmons Photos: Robert Franklin

Co-moderated by Hip-Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN) Co-Chair Dr. Benjamin Chavis Muhammad and hip-hop television personality Free, the panel discussion would go beyond the expected talk of “bling-bling,” lavish shopping and 22-inch rims. Instead, serious financial information would stream from HSAN Co-Chair Russell Simmons; R&B/pop stars Monica, LeToya Luckett, and Solange Knowles; hip-hop stars Reverend Run, Chingo Bling, Slim Thug, Bun-B, Short Dawg, and super producer Bryan-Michael Cox; Madd Hatta of 97.9 the Box; Chrysler Financial experts James Whitlow and Gerrod Parchmon; and Richard Farris of the Tejano Center for Community Concerns.

The “Get Your Money Right” summit covered the basics of banking, repairing and understanding credit scores, saving tips, importance of paying taxes, asset and wealth management, vehicle financing and home ownership. Everyone in attendance received a copy of the “Get Your Money Right” workbook, which is produced in both English and Spanish by HSAN. The user-friendly and attractive workbook was utilized throughout the dialogue which inspired everyone to take a look into their present financial condition and where they would like to be in the near future.

“Be courageous enough to invest in your selves! We are born into a cycle of giving, and I find when I get up every morning and think about what I can give, I’m happier and the giving comes around to getting’, shared Russell Simmons. “If you believe in yourself and do the work, it’s impossible not to succeed.”

“It’s very important that you pay your taxes because many people do not and get in a lot of trouble,” stated Monica, recording artist for J Records. “Watch and protect your credit because I was recently a victim of credit fraud. Be encouraged. Don’t let yesterday’s disappointments ruin tomorrow’s future.”

Her advice was echoed by Slim Thug who shared a bad experience he had due to mismanagement from a past accountant. “You have to be careful and handle your responsibilities. Put something to the side.”

Solange Knowles emphasized, “Whatever you do in life, finance and career, make sure it’s based on happiness. Always think about the end result, which is loving what you do.”

Despite being the youngest panelist, 21-year-old Short Dawg had plenty to share with those who aspire to be artists. “Business is most important. Before you try to get into the industry, take your money and invest into your business. Get your music copyrighted and protect yourself. If you don’t protect yourself, people can steal your music.”

“I am not telling you what you should do, but I am suggesting that we all pay tithes. I found that when I was going through my hardest moments that as long as I kept giving tithes, then my blessings would come. No matter how small it was,” said LeToya Luckett.

Whitlow of Chrysler encouraged the young audience to “get an education because that is the one thing that nobody can take away from you. Make that your plan B.” But Mr. Simmons and others quickly replied by saying that “Getting an education should be plan A. We are plan B.”

“The only way you can get rich being lazy is by inheritance, and since most of us will not get an inheritance, you need to get off of your behind and do something for yourself,” expressed Bun B.

One of the highlights of the Houston Hip-Hip Summit was the special presentation made to the Knowles Family and Music World Entertainment (MWE). They were awarded the inaugural Global Achievement Award for Economic Empowerment. According to organizers, it was presented to MWE founders Mathew and Tina Knowles for the tremendous contributions their company and family have made to the industry and for being a model of economic empowerment. In his brief, but inspiring words, Mathew Knowles emphasized, “Hang in there. The one thing youth needs is passion. If you have your dream, never give up on it. Tough times pass, but tough people last!”

“You have just made the first step towards financial literacy by being here today,” stated Free, at the close of the summit.

“The experience from this year’s Hip-Hop Summit was something phenomenal. I feel that it was really informative based upon the feedback within the questions and the alertness of the audience,” stated Tarajee Muhammad, Houston HSAN Youth Council Co-chair. The other co-chair, Keith Davis Jr., also expressed that “the Summit was wonderful and I enjoyed the entire Hip Hop Summit weekend.”

The title sponsor of the tour is Chrysler Financial and the presenting sponsor is Anheuser Busch. Others in attendance included Congressman Al Green (Tx-9), Councilmember Jarvis Johnson, Lady Lux, Chrysler Financial Rep. Stephen Starks, Willie D, Wicket Cricket, Councilmember Ada Edwards (Dist. D), “My Grammy Moment” award winner Robyn Troup, and the Offices of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee (Tx-18). Community partners included the Texas Southern University and TSU Student Organizations, the Houston Urban League, Tejano Center for Community Concerns, Houston NAACP and the Houston HSAN Youth Council.

The 2007 “Get Your Money Right” tour will make six more stops including Detroit, Mich., Apr. 14; Toronto, Ontario in August; Greensboro, N.C., Sept. 8; Washington, D.C., Sept. 29; Miami, Fla., Oct. 20 and Atlanta, Ga., Nov. 3.

Mini-tour of Houston

The Houston Summit weekend began on March 2 with visits to two area high schools, meetings with the Youth Council and an opening reception. Dr. Benjamin and HSAN Managing Director Valeisha Butterfield made a guest appearance at Girls & Boys Preparatory Academy followed by a “Get Your Money Right” high school financial workshop for juniors and seniors at Jack Yates High School. Keiyana Wilson, the Yates student who received the “Get Your Money Right” workbook signed by special celebrity guest Free, was given the opportunity to walk the red carpet and attend the Houston Hip-Hop Summit the next day. Later that evening Dr. Chavis Muhammad met with members of the Hip Hop Youth Council to discuss its progress and development. The opening reception was hosted at the House of Dereon by MWE.

(The HSAN “Get Your Money Right” workbook is free and is also downloadable at www.hsan.org.)