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Hip-Hop Summit Action Network's Russell Simmons and Dr. Benjamin Chavis
will be among those holding a public grievance and peaceful rally,
in response to a recent incident involving the son of Czar Entertainment
owner Jimmy "Henchmen" Rosemond.
The 14-year-old boy's mother Cynthia Reed, representatives from Czar
Entertainment and the Rev. Al
Sharpton will also be present at the event, which is expected to
draw with various community leaders including parents, students and
religious leaders.
The gathering comes days after G-Unit rapper
Tony Yayo was arrested for an alleged physical assault on the boy,
who was on his way to see Rosemond.
According to reports, the teen claimed Yayo and fellow G-Unit member
50 Cent were leaving the offices of Violator Management last Tuesday
(Mar. 20), when they saw him walking down the street, wearing a Czar
Entertainment T-shirt.
Yayo allegedly backhanded the boy and yelled curse words towards the
company.
"We are involved to try to help mediate this problem," said Chavis. "In truth,
every child in our community is precious. The theme of the Hip-Hop
Summit is taking back responsibility. With artistic freedom comes responsibility.
Therefore anytime a child in our community is harmed it is of great
concern to us. We are hoping and praying that this matter can be resolved
peacefully and resolutely. At the end of the day the interest of our children
will be better served."
Yayo, born Marvin Bernard, was arraigned Sunday [Mar. 25] on one count
of misdemeanor assault and one count of endangering the welfare of a
minor. He was released on $5,000 bail and is scheduled to return to court
on Apr. 25.
Representatives for 50 Cent maintain that the rapper was nowhere near
the altercation when it took place.
The group hopes the demonstration will result in a call for action to
advocate change against Yayo, 50 Cent and the music industry executives
looking to profit from violence and acts against youth in Hip-Hop.
A press conference will be held before the event at 11 a.m. on Monday
(Apr. 1) at The Park Central Hotel, 870 7th Ave, New York.
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