Connecticut Against Violence (CAV) and The City of Bridgeport sponsored by WC McBride Electrical LLC presented "A Hip Hop Expressions of Black History"

On February 24th, 2018 Connecticut Against Violence (CAV) and the City of Bridgeport Connecticut's Mayor's office celebrated the 3rd annual "Hip-Hop Expression of Black History {When it was Hip Hop}." The purpose of the event was to celebrate the history of Connecticut's Hip-Hop Music culture and use the platform to address violence in the community among the youth. Kingsley Osei Excetuve Director of CAV and the coordinator of "My Bother's Keeper" ("MBK")  along with Jennifer Edwards of the Office of Planning and Economic Development (OPED) executed this event in a manner that was more than impressive.

With over 250 plus people throughout City Hall for this event, all you felt was something good was going on. Longé found the scheduling from the awards being presented by Mayor Joseph P. Ganim and Senator Richard Blumenthal was the perfect start to the event  (Round table discussion on Gun Violence, Social Justice issues and Economical Development).  Both Senator Blumenthal and Mayor Ganim awarded many including Kool DJ Red Alert (WBLS) who received a Lifetime Achievement Award alongside Doctor Dre (Yo MTV Raps). After the award ceremony, the event was followed by lunch and a panel full of legendary guests. Guests that included;.Tyrone Smith AKA Original Clark Kent (Hercules), Ralph McDaniels (Video Music Box), MR.WAVE (New York City Breakers from Beat Street), Kyle Brinson AKA KOOL KYLE - "Original Starchild", Tyrone Williams AKA Fly Ty (Founder of Cold Chillin Records & Juice Crew), Theodore Livingston aka GRAND WIZARD THEODORE,  DJ Mark Collins of Collins Brothers, PESO ( FEARLESS 4), DJ Kevin Kev Rockwell - Fantastic 5 & Mr. Majic's Rap Attack, Debbie D (Us Girls - 1st female Mc’s & Beat Street), Coke La Rock (1st MC of Hip Hop), MC Kimba (COO JMJ FOUNDATION), Andre Brown aka Doctor.DRE (Yo MTV Raps), PETE NICE (3rd Base), VANSILK (Consultant), DJ KG (100.9 The BEAT), G Money - Moderator (WZMX 93.7) and DJ Santo WZMX 93.7 - (Event Main DJ and Providing sound systems).
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Pictures by: Longe Magazine Staff, Keonte Collins & Heru Ankh Shu Rl

The teaming up of CAV, City Hall, and McBride Electrical Contractors to put together this event that celebrates African-American culture of Hip-hop, History, the Hip-hop Legends, Community leaders, Poetry, Art exhibitions, Dancing and providing free food catered by (Big L kitchen) for the attendees is exactly what the community of Bridgeport needed.

Kingsley Osei (CAV CEO) said: "This is a positive event that provides a different and encouraging light on the Hip-hop culture throughout the Tri-State area". This event was so widely spread that it was picked up by CT News12,  CT News 4 and CT News 8.

This event takes places yearly and CAV welcomes sponsorship, donations, and actions of help in any way that will allow the youth of this generation to strive for the goal of excellence.  To contribute call or text Excutive Director Kingsley Osei: 917.416.4601