Black Music has been a cornerstone of American Culture. From Gospel music to the Blues, to Jazz and R & B, to Soul and Hip Hop, Black musicians have inspired creators of all genres of American music. Hip-Hop/Rap is currently the most popular genre in music worldwide. Billions in profits are being generated annually, most of it going into the pockets of people other than the artists who created the music. Yet, those same artists are being targeted for the words they dare seek to commercialize. Today, rap lyrics serve as potent evidence for prosecutors to use against creators to prejudice jurors against them. To date, it has been documented that at least 820 individuals have been convicted based on their lyrics. This threatens the free speech, and the physical freedom of artists, the overwhelming majority of whom are Black. For American culture to continue to thrive, this panel discussion will explore legislative pathways to end this assault on Black culture.

WHO: Moderator: Media Personality Dr. Rashad Richey, President of Rolling Out magazine

Panelists: Dr. Lakeyta Bonnette Chair and Professor, Department of Political Science, Howard University | Dr. Chelsey Green Chair of the Board of Trustees, Recording Academy | Willie “Prophet” Stiggers Co-Founder and Co-Chair, Black Music Action Coalition | Lucius Outlaw III Professor, Howard University School of Law.

WHAT: Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference panel discussion

WHERE: Livestream: YouTube

WHY: For American culture to continue to thrive, this panel discussion will explore legislative pathways to end this assault on Black culture.

WHEN: Friday, September 26, 2025, from 1-2 PM ET

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