NEW YORK, -- Today, Russell Simmons, Dr. Benjamin Chavis, Valeisha Butterfield, the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN) and Walmart announced the convening of a national Hip-Hop Summit on Financial Empowerment entitled "Get Your Money Right." The event will offer valuable and timely financial information from financial experts, celebrities and community leaders. Open to the public, the summit will take place on Sept. 12, 2009 at the Greensboro Coliseum, 1921 West Lee Street Greensboro, N.C. 27403. Doors open at 12:00 p.m.
Financial literacy is critical as multicultural communities are disproportionately impacted by the economic downturn. The African-American job loss exceeds one million as a result of the recession, representing more than 60 percent of the total increase in the number of those unemployed. The national unemployment rate for African-Americans reached 15 percent in April, its highest rate since June of 1986. According to North Carolina State University economist Michael Walden, North Carolina's unemployment rate was already one of the lowest in the United States at 11.1 percent, the rate will peak at an unprecedented 13 percent in the first quarter of 2010 before beginning to improve. Russell Simmons, chairman and co-founder of HSAN, pointed out, "Hip-Hop is about empowerment and transformation. Financial literacy is a fundamental key to financial empowerment. The 'Get Your Money Right' Hip-Hop Summit in Greensboro will be an excellent opportunity to receive invaluable information."
Walmart is the presenting sponsor of the "Get Your Money Right!" Summits in Greensboro, N.C. and in Houston, Texas on Oct. 17. A special in-store promotion of the summit will be held on Friday, Sept. 11 at the Walmart Superstore at 4:30 p.m. located at 4424 W. Wendover Ave.
At Walmart, we strive to provide our customers with resources and products at affordable prices to help individuals gain control of their personal finances during these economic times," said David Carmon, regional general manager and vice president, Southeast Division, Walmart. "Our partnership with HSAN in this event and ongoing financial literacy programs, along with expanded financial products, services and locations, are an extension of our dedication to helping people save money so that they can live better."
Confirmed artists and celebrities scheduled to participate in the Hip-Hop Summit on Financial Empowerment in Greensboro include; Russell Simmons, Rocsi of BET's 106 & Park, Lil Mo and Dr. Benjamin Chavis. 102 Jamz FM is the exclusive radio-partner for the Hip-Hop Summit in Greensboro.
Chavis, president and co-founder of HSAN, concluded, "During these difficult financial times, having basic financial literacy is most important. The 'Get Your Money Right' Hip-Hop Summit in Greensboro will help make a positive difference. We are pleased to partner with Walmart to bring this unique and informative event to the state of North Carolina."
The Kellogg Foundation is also a proud supporter of the Greensboro Hip-Hop Summit along with community partners the Winston-Salem Urban League, the Urban League of the Central Carolinas, the Student Government Associations of Bennett College, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
About the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network
Founded in 2001 by Russell Simmons and Dr. Benjamin Chavis, HSAN is the largest non-profit, global coalition of hip-hop artists, entertainment industry leaders, education advocates, civil rights proponents, and youth leaders united in the belief that hip-hop is an influential agent for positive social change. Dedicated to harnessing the cultural relevance of hip-hop music to serve as a catalyst for education advocacy and other societal concerns, HSAN provides educational programs on financial literacy, health education, civic engagement and personal development. For more information, go to www.hsan.org.
About Walmart
Every week, millions of customers visit Walmart stores, Neighborhood Markets, and Sam's Club locations across America or log on to its online store at www.walmart.com. The company and its Foundation are committed to a philosophy of giving back locally. Walmart (NYSE: WMT) is proud to support the causes that are important to customers and associates right in their own neighborhoods, and last year gave more than $378 million to local communities in the United States. More information about Walmart can be found by visitingwww.walmartstores.com.
