House Dems launch Hip Hop Power and Justice Task Force: 'Pay homage to all the single Black mothers'

House Democrats have announced a new congressional caucus based entirely on hip-hop music and culture, claiming that hip-hop artists are uniquely attuned to issues regarding "economic equality, affordable housing and racial justice imperatives."

On Wednesday, a group of black lawmakers gathered on the steps of the Capitol to announce the Congressional Hip Hop Power and Justice Task Force. Spearheaded by Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.), the caucus will rely on the messages conveyed by hip-hop music to get a better understanding of "what’s happening in our most marginalized communities," he said.

"Hip hop has always been about ending poverty in America, about fully funding our public schools. It’s always been about justice reform and police reform," Bowman said in a speech. "It’s always been about affordable housing and dealing with the issue of threats of violence."

Raised by a "single Black mom," Bowman claimed hip hop played an important role in his youth and education. He said he hoped that the caucus will "honor" his mother and those like her.

"[This] will give honor to her and to pay homage to her as a single Black mom in America and pay homage to all the single Black mothers in America and all the women out there loving their sons and doing the best they can for their children, their families," he said.

The day of the announcement happened to be the anniversary of Bowman's mother's passing. It also came during Black History Month and just a few months after a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the hip-hop genre.

The caucus was also formed just as Democrat support among black Americans has cratered. As Blaze News previously reported, a Gallup poll released earlier this month showed that just 66% of black Americans supported the Democratic Party, down 11% from 2020. The Republican Party also gained 8% support since that time, from 11% to 19%

In his speech, Bowman referenced Black Lives Matter, perhaps trying to rally black voters who supported BLM in spirit and at the ballot box in 2016 and 2020. He then also drew attention to the so-called "ceasefire" movement but did not explain how violence in Israel and the Gaza Strip relates to hip-hop music or how focusing on it will improve the lives of black Americans.

"The fight ... continues for freedom, justice and equality," Bowman said. "Now it’s time to build political power at a level that’s never been done before."

Rep. Bowman made headlines last fall when he pulled a fire alarm in the Cannon House Office Building to forestall a House vote on a continuing resolution that would have averted a government shutdown. He later pled guilty to making a false fire alarm, a misdemeanor, and paid a fine of $1,000.

"I am responsible for activating a fire alarm, I will be paying the fine issued, and look forward to these charges being ultimately dropped," he said at the time.

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