America Quote by Bakari Kitwana
“My hope is to get young people to think about ways that they can translate hip-hop's great cultural movement into political power that can change the conditions for America's young, so that young people upon graduating from high school who don't have economic means to go to college can realize other options beyond joining the military and fighting in wars that enrich corporations like Halliburton which should feel guilty about profiteering off of a war that is being fought on the backs of those locked out of America's mainstream economy.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Hip Hop and the Politics of Representation, 2015
Empower youth by channeling hip‑hop culture into political action, offering alternatives to military enlistment.
In simple terms: Hip‑hop can become political power for disadvantaged youth.
Key Takeaway
Translate cultural influence into civic engagement.
Themes
youth empowerment
political activism
education
economic opportunity
Mood
hopeful
determined
inspirational
Type
activist
educational
When to use this quote
- school programs
- community workshops
- policy advocacy
- career counseling
Key Concepts
social movements
civic engagement
alternative pathways
Questions to Reflect On
- What policies can support youth beyond cultural movements?
- How can hip‑hop leaders influence legislation?
A Different Perspective
May overlook structural barriers beyond culture.
![“I'll smoke, I'll cough, I'll get the tumors, I'll die, deal? Thank you America. [salutes]” quote by Bill Hicks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3d2/bill-hicks-970_america_i-ll-smoke-i-ll-cough-i-ll-get-the-tumor_655.jpg)
