Groundbeaking New Book- HIP HOP SISTERS NETWORK

CONTACT: info@hiphopsisters.org 855.625.9831 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 9, 2015   Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. Partners with MC Lyte on Groundbeaking New Book FUSION: Bridging the Gap Between Civil Rights and Hip Hop    www.fusionthemovement.com  LOS ANGELES (January 9, 2015) -- Civil Rights Leader Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. and Hip Hop Icon MC Lyte have joined forces with the penning of FUSION: Bridging the Gap Between Civil Rights and Hip Hop (www.fusionthemovement.com),  which spawned from a private conversation about social justice between the two icons last summer. This captivating dialogue examines how the Civil Rights Movement helped with the emergence of Hip Hop and how Hip Hop continues to help the survival of the Civil Rights Movement - with a rare focus on the roles women played throughout this unique era. Misogyny, the evolution of gender roles in the movement towards justice and equality, and the pervasiveness of music on Black culture and its global impact are discussed with the effervescence of two great leaders who are passionate about the continued advancement of peoples of color around the globe.  A portion of the proceeds from FUSION benefit #EducateOurMen, the signature education initiative of Hip Hop Sisters Foundation, where Dr. Chavis and MC Lyte serve as Sr. Advisory Board Member and Chairman/Founder, respectively (www.educateourmen.info). "FUSION and my partnership with Dr. Chavis allow me to continue to lead my generation in delivering positive images and messages about our continued efforts to achieve justice and equality, while providing access to higher education, mentorship and tools for social responsibility," said MC Lyte. "Working with MC Lyte to publish FUSION will help to stimulate more constructive and progressive dialogue, as well as direct social action, to achieve freedom, justice and and equality for all while highlighting the positive transformative attributes of hip-hop culture and the ongoing Civil Rights Movement," said Dr. Chavis. The interdependence of the Civil Rights Movement to Hip Hop is unquestionable; hence FUSIONuncovers unknown historical stories that show the FUSION of these worlds.  FUSION is that rare conversation turned to life - with an interpersonal look at two worlds: Civil Rights & Hip Hop, colliding in a riveting dialogue between two historic and lyrical leaders.  Books can be purchased on Amazon and at fusionthemovement.com. About #EducateOurMen  #EducateOurMen is the signature education initiative of Hip Hop Sisters Foundation that aims to support and develop males by providing academic scholarships to obtain baccalaureate degrees primarily from HBCU's; provide access to career and personal mentoring; and increase cultural education and social responsibility. Each year since its inception, Hip Hop Sisters Foundation has presented scholarships to advance the educational goals of youth during the Soul Train Music Awards.  Advisory board members include Faith Evans, Ledisi, Jada Pinkett Smith, Chilli, Russell Simmons, Cheryl "Salt" James, Malinda Williams, Lil Mama, Kelly Price, Fantasia, Nicci Gilbert, Michelle Gadsden-Williams, Michele Thornton, Valeisha Butterfield-Jones, Malcolm Jamal Warner, Kenny Lattimore, Melanie Fiona and Dr. Benjamin Chavis.  Join the Movement: www.hiphopsisters.org/news Contact: Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr meetdrben@gmail.com 202-649-0308 MC Lyte management@mclytenow.com 855.MCLYTE1 (855-625-9831)  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  PREVIOUS NEWS MC LYTE ANNOUNCES THE FIRST OF SEVERAL  #EDUCATEOURMEN SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS   On September 9, 2014, the world experienced the musical genius of MC Lyte's first Billboard charting single in 11 years:  the ground-breaking urban hit "Dear John," featuring Common and 10 Beats.    WATCH "DEAR JOHN" MC Lyte - Dear John ft. Common & 10Beats - Official Video "Dear John" is the anthem for #EducateOURMen, which is the signature scholarship initiative of MC Lyte's Hip Hop Sisters Foundation, which has presented two $100,000 university scholarships during the Soul Train Music Awards Red Carpet Pre-Show each year since the organization's founding.  MC Lyte stated that this year, the foundation will present dozens of scholarshipsearmarked to send men of color to HBCU's, and she quickly followed up on that commitment with this past weekend's red carpet announcement. Russell Simmons, Dr. Benjamin Chavis, Jada Pinkett Smith and Faith Evans are just of the few celebrities who support the foundation's movement (www.EducateOURMen.info). #EDUCATEOURMEN PARTNERS All Def Digital Dillard University Hip Hop Summit Action Network Honey Shine Foundation NAFEO (National Association For Equal Opportunity In Higher Education) National Urban League NNPA (National Newspaper Publishers Association) Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc Morehouse College BET Networks NOTABLE DEAR JOHN PRESS  http://karencivil.com/mc-lyte-common-send-uplifting-message-dear-john-video/  https://music.yahoo.com/blogs/yahoo-music/mc-lyte-s--dear-john---first-billboard-entry-in-11-years-183037626.html http://m.billboard.com/entry/view/id/99484 http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2014/09/xxl-songs-of-the-week/5/