Posts made in July 2020

MASN – “Hate Me”

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MASN RELEASES THE MUSIC VIDEO FOR “HATE ME!” DEBUT EP HOW TO KILL A ROCKSTAR DUE OUT THIS SUMMER

Artist on the rise MASN releases the music video for his latest track “Hate Me!” today via RCA Records. Watch
HERE. “Hate Me!” dropped last week and was featured on Billboard’s “10 Cool New Pop Songs To Get You Through The Week” and Ones To Watch “#NowWatching” playlist. This track also marks the first release off his debut EP How To Kill A Rockstar which is due out later this summer.

19-year-old Eagle Mountain, Utah native MASN exploded onto the scene last year when his hit single “Psycho!” dropped in January 2019. The track exploded online and had garnered over 99M combined audio and video streams worldwide and over 1.5M TikTok.

Shortly after he released “Val!um” and earlier this year “Psycho!” feat. Trippie Redd which marked MASNs first release with RCA Records. Earlier this month, German DJs/Producers Topic & B-Case remixed “Psycho!” check it out HERE. MASNs expansive creative palette distills into a dreamy melting pot of lo-fi beatcraft, indie experimentation, hip-hop fluidity, and lush pop. He amplifies every side of himself within his songs and is looking forward to sharing his debut EP How To Kill A Rockstar which is due out later this summer.

To Buy/Stream/Watch “Hate Me!”: Official Video – HERE

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Troye Sivan – IN A DREAM

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On August 21, Capitol Records will release IN A DREAM, Troye Sivan’s new six-song concept EP. Today, as the EP pre-order launched, Troye shared the second track, “Easy,” an infectious plea to set a relationship back on course. Download / stream “Easy” HERE and view the pseudo video HERE. Troye directed the official video for “Easy,” which will receive a YouTube Premiere tomorrow, July 16, at 7:00 AM PT. Set a reminder to watch the premiere HERE.

“A story that’s still unfolding, this small collection of songs explores an emotional rollercoaster period in my life when the feelings and thoughts were most shockingly fresh,” explains Troye Sivan. “Revisiting these songs and moments is tough, but I’m proud of this music and excited to have it out in the world.”

Troye recorded five of the EP’s six songs with producer Oscar Görres (The Weeknd, MARINA, Tove Lo) between Stockholm and Los Angeles, just prior to the lockdown. The leadoff track, “Take Yourself Home,” trended at #1 on Twitter worldwide following its release earlier this year and has now attained over 76 million cumulative global streams. The New York Times hailed “Take Yourself Home” as an “understatedly lush quasi-soul thumper.” PAPER said, “It’s perhaps the first great song to come out of our collective apocalyptic state of mind during the COVID-19 outbreak.” IN A DREAM is now available for pre-order HERE. Music bundles, including a deluxe CD package, are available HERE.

In his career to date, Troye has amassed nearly eight billion combined global streams. His sophomore album, Bloom (Capitol Records), was named as one of the best albums of 2018 by critics at Rolling Stone, USA Today, Billboard, OUT, NPR Music, The Guardian and numerous other publications. TIME said, “Troye Sivan is the perfect pop star.” He was recently named as one of five ambassadors to launch the Pasha de Cartier watch. His numerous awards include a Billboard Music Awards trophy, three MTV Europe Music awards and two GLAAD Media wins.

“Revelation” – his collaboration with Jónsi for the film Boy Erased, which Troye co-starred in – was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Original Song – Motion Picture and shortlisted for an Oscar. “Louder Than Bombs,” a track Troye co-wrote, is featured on the new BTS album, Map of The Soul: 7, which debuted at No. 1 in the U.S., Korea, Australia and around the world.

NYBG Reopening

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The New York Botanical Garden has announced plans to reopen the grounds of its 250-acre site to the general public on Tuesday, July 28, in a gradual process as the City enters New York Forward’s Phase Four, projected to begin July 20.

Since enacting the temporary closure on March 15, 2020, due to COVID-19, Botanical Garden leadership has been proactively developing and implementing new safety protocols in accordance with State and New York Forward requirements for businesses and cultural institutions, CDC guidelines, and OSHA standards. (Note: The Garden’s reopening dates are contingent on New York City receiving permission to enter Phase Four.)

NYBG is among the most comprehensive botanical gardens in the world—an urban oasis and integral part of the cultural fabric of New York City, anchored in the Bronx. The verdant landscape currently features a trove of vibrant daylilies, hydrangeas, water lilies, and lotuses among its one million plants. Walking paths and trails crisscross the Garden providing opportunities for discovery through encounters with nature. The reopened gardens, outdoor collections, and natural features include the Native Plant Garden, with its meadow, woodland, promenade, and centerpiece water feature; Bronx River, with its waterfall, which runs through the 50-acre Thain Family Forest; layered and colorful patterns and plant groupings of the Perennial and Herb Gardens; lushly shaded Chilton Azalea Garden; award-winning Rockefeller Rose Garden; tropical and aquatic plant-filled Conservatory Courtyards and Pools; inviting paths through the Ross Conifer Arboretum; Benenson Ornamental Conifers; Burn Family Lilac Collection; and more.

Tram Tours, public programs, and group tours are suspended temporarily as a safety precaution. The Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, LuEsther T. Mertz Library, Edible Academy, Everett Children’s Adventure Garden, and Hudson Garden Grill remain closed. The public reopening will be prefaced by Appreciation Week July 21‒26, when NYBG will welcome Garden Members; Bronx health care heroes from the eight public and private hospitals in the borough; and Bronx Neighbors with first access and complimentary tickets. Communities in the Bronx are among the most severely impacted by COVID-19 in New York City. Through its Appreciation Week initiative, the Garden seeks to acknowledge, with gratitude, the dedication, strength, and resilience of Bronx frontline health care workers and residents. Complimentary admission for those groups will continue through September 13.

The reopening incorporates enhanced safety measures based on best practices and guidance from health authorities and government agencies. New measures include requiring staff and visitors over the age of two to wear face coverings; increasing sanitization of public and staff areas; daily health screenings for on-site staff; supporting social distancing practices; requiring timed-entry tickets purchased in advance; operating at a reduced capacity; and more. The new, limited timed-entry ticketing system will stagger visitors’ arrivals, promote social distancing, and mitigate the risk of crowding in high-traffic areas.

Advance purchase of timed tickets is required and will be confirmed by e-mail with the option to print or download a mobile ticket. Visitors who do not purchase advance tickets will not be guaranteed admission at this time. Garden Patrons and Members must also reserve timed tickets in advance. For more information, visit the NYBG website. To further facilitate social distancing, visitors will find new wayfinding signage and pavement markings at admissions points and where queuing is necessary. Some pathways will be designated for one-way foot traffic to help avoid congestion. New hand sanitizer stations on the grounds and touchless restroom appliances will be available. There is ample parking on-site and in NYBG’s Parking Garage, just steps away from the Mosholu Entrance. Other visitor amenities include: Pine Tree Café (10 a.m.–6 p.m.; limited menu and outdoor seating), Hudson Garden Grill Terrace (12–5 p.m.; snacks and refreshments, including water, beer, and wine) Pine Tree Café Pop-up at the Rose Garden (11 a.m.–4 p.m.; snacks and refreshments, including water, beer, and wine) Clay Family Picnic Pavilions, “My Day at the Garden” kids and family activity guide, Self-guided audio tours, which are available by cell phone, and NYBG Shop (per social distancing protocols).

The reopening plan is subject to change based on government guidance and in response to altered circumstances. Subsequent phases of the Garden’s reopening will be announced at a future date online and via the Garden’s social media channels.

Bob Marley Tribute

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UMe and Tuff Gong Worldwide are excited to announce a very special, one-off virtual performance from 8X GRAMMY Award-winning icon Ziggy Marley as part of the on-going Bob Marley 75th birthday celebrations that additionally includes Sirius/XM launching a limited-edition Tuff Gong Radio Channel, the release of a Legend Picture Disc and a partnership with One Tree Planted to combat deforestation by streaming Marley’s iconic music.

With a virtual performance set to take place on July 19 in conjunction with CEEK Virtual Reality, Ziggy Marley will be paying homage to his father’s timeless catalog, performing eleven of Bob Marley’s legendary tracks in an intimate setting and livestreamed on Bob Marley’s official YouTube channel. Following the concert, Ziggy will be participating in an exclusive Q&A through CEEK’s content streaming platform. A select number of 360VR tracks will be available on Ceek’s Virtual Reality platform. The audio of the full performance, Ziggy Marley – Bob Marley 75th Celebration (pt. 1) will be made available as an e-album, on July 31, listen HERE.

“With Ceek’s innovative technology, Ziggy Marley has created an immersive experience that’s rooted in Bob Marley’s passion and sense of community and honors his father’s legacy by bringing people together through the power of music,” said Bruce Resnikoff, President, and CEO, UMe.

SiriusXM announced today, the launch of Bob Marley’s Tuff Gong Radio, which kicks off today, July 15 at 9 am PT/Noon ET. The limited-edition channel will feature the music of Bob Marley and his band The Wailers and highlight studio and live performances, widely popular songs, and rare tracks. Additionally, listeners will hear recordings from the Marley family as well as artists who are a part of the iconic brand and label founded by Bob Marley, Tuff Gong. Channel 42 will become Bob Marley’s Tuff Gong Radio from July 15 at 9 am PT/Noon ET through August 13 and will be available on the SiriusXM app in the Hip-Hop/R&B category, internet-connected devices and smart speakers in your home. For more information on Bob Marley’s Tuff Gong Radio, click HERE.

In addition to Bob Marley’s Tuff Gong Radio, fans can also “Stream for Trees” to help the environment while celebrating Bob Marley’s music. One Tree Planted, a non-profit organization focused on global reforestation, in conjunction with UMe, is taking action and planting trees funded by fans streaming Bob Marley’s songs. Simply connect your Spotify account by clicking HERE and revisit the website any time to see how many trees will be planted throughout the campaign.

On July 24, one of the world’s best-selling and most loved albums of our time, LEGEND will be released as a limited-edition picture disc. Featuring many of Bob’s most memorable songs, from “One Love/People Get Ready” to “Get Up, Stand Up,” “Is This Love” to “Jammin’,” “Could You Be Loved” to “Three Little Birds,” and eight more classics, in celebration of #BobMarley75, the album will be available in a limited edition picture disc presenting the iconic cover shot backed with a previously unseen image of Bob. Pre-order HERE.

Earlier this month, in continued observance of the late and legendary Bob Marley’s 75^th Birthday, and in honor of the July 1 International Reggae Day celebrations, an official music video for Bob Marley’s “No Woman No Cry,” was released. Directed by Kristian Mercado Figueroa and shot in Jamaica and New York City, the powerful visual explores two tales of a family divided by country but connected by their love and want for a better life for their children. We see a strong and loving Mother strive to look after her children in their homeland. At the same time, the Father works tirelessly, isolated in New York City, working as a taxi driver to better provide for his family back home. The video shines a light on the importance of family and connection while confronting the genuine struggles many families face in the modern world, often forced apart due to poverty. The video for “No Woman No Cry” debuted on Bob Marley’s Official YouTube Channel. Watch HERE.

In this digital era, Bob Marley remains one of the most followed posthumous artists on social media, and MARLEY75 will serve to bring his music and message to the digital foreground, reaching new audiences and perspectives with innovative content and groundbreaking technology. Special live events, exclusive digital content, recordings, exhibitions, plus rare and unearthed treasures will also be revealed throughout the year. Bob Marley’s music continues to inspire generation upon generation, as his legacy lives on through his message of love, justice, and unity, a sentiment needed more than ever in 2020. In conjunction with Tuff Gong and UMe, a division of the Universal Music Group, the Marley family will continue to ensure the highest quality, integrity, and care is taken to honor Bob’s legacy and to celebrate one of the 20th century’s most important and influential figures.

Tune in and subscribe to the Official Bob Marley YouTube channel HERE for more upcoming content celebrating Bob’s legacy and contribution to the world.

Bob Marley, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, is notable not only as the man who put reggae on the global map but, as a statesman in his native Jamaica, he famously brought together the country’s warring factions. Today, Bob Marley remains one of the 20th century’s most important and influential entertainment icons. Marley’s lifestyle and music continue to inspire new generations as his legacy lives on through his music. In the digital era, he has the second-highest social media following of any posthumous celebrity, with the official Bob Marley Facebook page drawing more than 70 million fans, ranking it among the Top 20 of all Facebook pages and Top 10 among celebrity pages. Marley’s music catalog has sold millions of albums worldwide. His iconic collection, LEGEND, holds the distinction of being the longest-charting album in the history of Billboard magazine’s Catalog Albums chart and remains the world’s best-selling reggae album. Marley’s accolades include inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1994) and ASCAP Songwriters Hall of Fame (2010), a GRAMMY® Lifetime Achievement Award (2001), multiple entries in the GRAMMY® Hall Of Fame, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (2001). For more information visit: bobmarley.com

Follow Bob Marley: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

Quinn XCII- “Notice Me” Visual

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QUINN XCII SHARES NEW VISUAL FOR “NOTICE ME”, HIS FAVORITE SONG FROM THE NEW ALBUM A LETTER TO MY YOUNGER SELF

CELEBRATES ALBUM RELEASE WITH 9-SONG FULL-BAND LIVE STREAM PERFORMANCE LAST NIGHT

Fresh off the release of his third album, A Letter To My Younger Self, Quinn XCII has released a new visual for his favorite album track, “Notice Me” – watch HERE. Directed by Blythe Thomas, the video for the infectious song follows a street performer to the Venice Beach boardwalk and coincides with the song’s lyrics about breaking past self-consciousness and fear, and seeking acknowledgement from those around you. The video made its broadcast premiere on MTV Live and MTVU.

“’Notice Me’ speaks on all of the shy people out there and those with self-confidence issues,” says Quinn XCII. “The ones who know what they want to say but don’t have the courage yet to speak up. The ones that want to be noticed for once and not just be somebody that blends in.”

With five years of touring and several major music festivals around the world under his belt, Quinn XCII brought his sought-after live show to the internet last night. The ‘A Letter To My Younger Self Live Stream Concert’, as part of Live Nation’s “Live From The Living Room” series, was shot live from Los Angeles and allowed fans to see Quinn XCII perform songs from his new album for the first time ever.

A Letter To My Younger Self is available now via Columbia Records.

SET LIST:

“A Letter To My Younger Self”
“Sleep While I Drive” featuring special guest Ashe
“Notice Me”
“Candle”
“Always Been You”
“Second Time Around”
“Coffee”
“Straightjacket”
“Stacy”

FOLLOW QUINN XCI:

Black-Owned Superhero Brand

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Aza Comics, owned by black woman creator Jazmin Truesdale and known for its roster of multicultural female superheroes, is aiming to continue providing hope and escapism for the world as people support the Black Lives Matter movement. “Aza Comics has always addressed the issues of black people in its storylines,” says Truesdale, “I’m just happy that now people are finally understanding what is happening and joining this fight that is truly everyone’s fight.”

The Aza Universe is centered almost entirely around women of color and has always tried to provide hope and inspiration for women around the world as they face various issues like racial inequity, sexism, misogyny and homophobia. This hits especially close to home for Truesdale as countless black women like Sandra Bland and Breonna Taylor have yet to see justice in a time when black women face the highest rates of homicide in the US. During this time, Aza Comics received an incredible growth in sales and exposure as more people discovered what the Aza superhero universe is all about. “I just want people to at least feel safe in their imagination,” says Truesdale. “For black people and many other people of color, everywhere we look pain is reflecting back at us. I want Aza Comics to be that escape where you can feel heard and empowered to fight another day.”

Aza Comics has a lot in store this year for its growing number of fans. “We will do what we’ve always done,” says Truesdale,” Continue to grow and enrich the lives of people of color around the world and partner with people and brands who truly care about the lives of others.” The company plans to use its revenue to invest in entrepreneurs of color, support women athletes, expand its universe with more inclusive superheroes and do what it can to continue being a voice.

Aza Comics is a superhero brand based in Durham, North Carolina founded by serial entrepreneur and author Jazmin Truesdale. The company is known for its multicultural female superheroes and philanthropic initiatives that have been featured in Vogue, TIME, USA Today, and various other national and international publications.

Follow Aza Comics: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

Follow Jazmin Truesdale: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Fixing Classic Cars

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A comprehensive trouble-shooter that no Triumph TR4 or TR4A owner should be without, by author Paul Hogan. This handy expert guide describes all the main components of these cars, and details what can go wrong with each of them, how to fix common problems and even a number of improvements that can be made to the car.

Triumph’s TR4 represented a new breed of British sports car. Its modern lines, and accessories, such as wind-up windows and face-level ventilation, were a big departure from the earlier TR3 models. While TR4 mechanical parts may not have been new, the introduction of IRS (independent rear suspension) on the TR4A set a new benchmark for sports cars of thet era. Performance was solid, if not spectacular, with 109mph attainable in overdrive top, and these TRs found a ready market in all parts of the world. Now nearly 60 years old, the TR4 and TR4A still attract a huge following worldwide.

This book is designed to offer owners and potential owners of these cars an insight to the common problems that can arise and how to fix them, and often making an improvement at the same time. Arranged into easy to follow sections – engine, driveline, suspension, etc – you can see not only where the problems arise, but how to solve them. Information is also provided on owners’ clubs and spares suppliers to help keep your car in good condition and on the road.

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Tiwa Savage Drops Dangerous Love Video

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Leading Afrobeats star TIWA SAVAGE shares a stunning companion video to “Dangerous Love” – the first single from her anticipated fourth studio album “CELIA”. Shot in Lagos, Nigeria during the global lockdown, the visuals are produced by JM Films and sees Tiwa make her directorial debut collaborating and co-directing alongside Ibra Ake (Childish Gambino, Beyonce). Taking inspiration from the song, the video sees Tiwa seeking advice from one of her girlfriends (played by supermodel Adesuwa Aighewi), whilst preparing for a visit from her boyfriend.

“Dangerous Love is such a vibe! It’s a song that is basically about a girl who is dipping in and out of a ‘situationship’ with a guy that really doesn’t deserve her time or attention. She knows that he is bad for her but she gambling with her heart anyway.” Says Tiwa Savage. “I feel like every girl and maybe guys too can relate to this one.”

New National Scorecard on Juvenile Record Policies

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Juvenile Law Center today launched Failed Policies, Forfeited Futures: Revisiting a National Scorecard on Juvenile Records – a national report evaluating state juvenile records policies. The organization will be holding a national press zoom call on the scorecard today at 12:30 pm EST.

The report updates a project the organization launched in the fall of 2014 – the nation’s first-ever, comprehensive evaluation of state juvenile record confidentiality and expungement laws against best practices for record protection. The 2014 study showed that over 50% of the states failed to adequately protect juvenile records, thereby limiting opportunities for youth exiting the juvenile justice system.

Six years later, Juvenile Law Center’s new report shows some reform but remaining widespread deficiencies in the legal protections necessary to keep juvenile records secure.

The report’s primary author, Staff Attorney Andrew Keats, emphasized the importance of reforming juvenile record laws. “Kids make mistakes,” said Keats. “The role of the juvenile justice system is to rehabilitate them to prevent future mistakes and ensure they can become productive members of society. These goals are frustrated by ongoing access to juvenile record information by law enforcement, schools, businesses and the public, long after a youth’s system involvement has ended.”

While some states acted quickly to reform their laws following release of the 2014 report, too many states continue to provide easy access to juvenile records, which push young people with system involvement—primarily Black and Brown youth—deeper into the criminal justice system and poverty. Juvenile Law Center hopes this new report will return a spotlight to this issue and drive states to do better by their youth. While overall incarceration rates of young people are down substantially since 2014, lax records laws will continue to impede opportunities for future success going forward.

“The collateral consequences of unprotected juvenile records fall most heavily on Black and Brown youth, who are far more likely to face obstacles to securing housing, employment, and a college degree than their white counterparts,” said Riya Saha Shah, Managing Director. “If we want to advance equity, strong juvenile records laws must be part of the solution.”

Mr. Keats and Ms. Shah are available for comment and interview. Please join them both at 12:30 pm EST for a national national press zoom call on the scorecard:

Meeting ID: 764 9954 1320

Passcode: Lm3N15

Juvenile Law Center advocates for rights, dignity, equity and opportunity for youth in the child welfare and justice systems. Founded in 1975, Juvenile Law Center is the first non-profit, public interest law firm for children in the country. We fight for youth through litigation, appellate advocacy and submission of amicus (friend-of-the-court) briefs, policy reform, public education, training, consulting, and strategic communications. Widely published and internationally recognized as leaders in the field, Juvenile Law Center has substantially shaped the development of law and policy on behalf of youth. We strive to ensure that laws, policies, and practices affecting youth advance racial and economic equity and are rooted in research, consistent with children’s unique developmental characteristics, and reflective of international human rights values.

Poor People’s Campaign

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The Poor People’s Campaign will demand a moral policy agenda to heal America in a congressional briefing Thursday as it follows up on its digital Mass Poor People’s Assembly and Moral March on Washington that drew millions of viewers.

Legislators and other political leaders from both sides of the aisle have been invited to attend the digital briefing, where campaign leaders will lay out the specifics of the Moral Policy Agenda to Heal America: The Poor People’s Jubilee Platform.

The agenda is grounded in constitutional and moral values and offers concrete solutions to end the ongoing, concurrent crises of the five interlocking injustices: systemic racism, systemic poverty, militarism, ecological devastation and the false moral narrative of extreme religious nationalism.

“It’s time that we lift from the bottom, which requires us to address all five of the interlocking injustices,” said Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II, president of Repairers of the Breach and co-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival. “We cannot put more money in systemic racism, corporate interests and the war economy than we do in living wages, health care, public education and guaranteeing equal protection under the law. Poverty is lethal; systemic racism is lethal; COVID-19 is lethal. This agenda demands what must be now and after the election to heal the nation.”

Also invited to attend are the tri-chairs from the 45 states where the Poor People’s Campaign is organizing, along with the campaign’s national partners and faith partners.

The briefing follows the campaign’s digital justice assembly on June 20th, when millions of people tuned in to the digital justice gathering to hear the reality facing 140 million people who are poor or low-income in the wealthiest country in the world and where 700 people die each day from poverty — even before COVID-19.

Also on that day, the campaign’s coordinating committees from 45 states and over 200 organizational partners, labor unions and religious denominations came together around the moral policy agenda to heal America.

“Biblically, the Year of Jubilee was a time to release people from their debts, release all slaves and ensure that all people have what they need to thrive, not just barely survive,” said Rev. Liz Theoharis, director of Kairos Center for Religions, Rights and Social Justice and co-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign. “Our Justice Platform provides a way for this country to do the same with policies and budgets that lift people out of poverty and revive the economy with the promise of a brighter future for all.”

The sweeping platform offers a roadmap for lawmakers to take seriously the moral and constitutional principles upon which this country was founded: to establish justice, promote the general welfare, ensure domestic tranquility, secure the blessings of liberty and provide for the common defense.

In addition to Barber and Theoharis, the policy director for the Kairos Center and the Poor People’s Campaign, Shailly Gupta Barnes, will address the briefing. The briefing begins at 1 p.m. and lasts until 2:30 p.m. Thursday. It’s open only to the media and invited guests. Reporters can register here.

The Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival, is building a broad and deep moral fusion movement rooted in the leadership of poor people to unite our country from the bottom up. We demand that both major political parties address the interlocking injustices of systemic racism, poverty, ecological devastation, militarism and the distorted moral narrative of religious nationalism. Our updated agenda, the Poor People’s Moral Justice Jubilee Policy Platform addresses these issues.

America can’t address the moral crisis of poverty without addressing healthcare. Some 140 million people in the U.S. – or more than 43 percent – live in poverty or are low-wealth” Rekindling a Prophetic Moral Vision for Justice, Social Change and Movement BuildingFollow Poor People’s Campaign: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube