[1]Cori Bush

John,

Rap is expression, it is literature, it is poetry. But at its core it is
freedom of speech. Rappers are the journalists of their communities —
taking on the role of storytellers to illustrate the truths of their
lives, culture, struggles, and triumphs.

For decades, freedom of speech has been the backbone of forms of art and
cultural expression. But we’ve recently ushered in a new era where that
creative expression can now be interpreted, analyzed, and used against you
in court as an artist.

That’s why I am proud to be partnering with Rep. Hank Johnson in
introducing the Restoring Artistic Protection (RAP) Act which is designed
to prevent prosecutors from using rappers' lyrics and artistic expression
as evidence in civil and criminal cases.

[ [link removed] ]John, it takes
all of us to call for change and protect our right to freedom of speech.
Please help us amplify our call by adding your name in support of the RAP
Act today.

Add your name →

Since 2020, prosecutors in over 500 criminal cases have used artists’
lyrics as evidence against the artist in court, and the subjects of these
cases have been primarily Black and Latino men and boys.

Singers and songwriters have historically been prosecuted for their art
and all too often, systemic racism plays a large part in these
prosecutions as white artists do not face the same legal scrutiny as Black
artists. From lyrics and music videos to social media posts — all of these
facets have been used against major artists in attempts to rack up
evidence against them in the legal system.

Young Thug, Olutosi Oduwole, and many other established Black rappers have
found themselves in court having to battle against their own art to
protect their freedom.

This is clearly a legal tactic, and a part of an ongoing effort to
criminalize Black art. We need a national standard to protect the
legitimacy and legal safety of these artists.

John, it’s
time we set the standard and protect artists across the country and our
collective freedom of speech and expression. [ [link removed] ]Please stand with us today
and add your name in support of the RAP Act today.

Add your name →

Peace, love, and Wu-Tang forever.

Jamaal Bowman


 


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