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Russell Simmons, Jasiri X and a variety of other rappers are supporting a new initiative aimed at encouraging young people to vote this Tuesday (November 6).
Simmons and company have endorsed the “Hoodie Vote,” which is encouraging young people to wear their hoodies to the polling booths, in honor of slain teenager Trayvon Martin.
Over 50 college campuses and people in dozens of cities nationwide are taking part in the initiative, which was cofounded by Trell Thomas.
“It’s not about capitalizing on something tragic, we want to turn tragedy into triumph,” said Thomas, who is also the national coordinator. “It’s another opportunity to send a message that while some thought we were robbing, killing, stealing, and looking “suspicious” in our hoodies, we are out here working, making a difference, and changing the world in our hoodies.”
Thomas said that the organization’s goal is to get up to 1 million people to wear their hoodies to show solidarity in the elections on Tuesday.
Other people who’ve endorsed the “Hoodie Vote” include Jasmine Sanders, legendary activist Dick Gregory, rapper Lil B and veteran air personality DJ Greg Street.
The initiate is asking voters to take pictures of themselves at the voting booths and post them to social media using #HoodieVote .
