Afrika Bambaataa and KRS-One have often been found of saying that Hip Hop needs to have Hip Hop doctors, lawyers and mayors... Well we do have doctors and we have lawyers. Now Hip Hop can point to its first Mayor. Well I should say, Deputy Mayor. Hip Hop artist/school teacher and one time candidate for Mayor, Ras Baraka-who is the son of poet Amiri Baraka was sworn in last Friday by the city of Newark, New Jersey to be one of four Deputy Mayors.. Here's a copy of the press release I received.
On Friday, September 27, 2002, Ras Baraka was officially sworn in as Deputy Mayor for the City of Newark (an appointed position). He is one of four deputy mayors and is in charge of Youth and Social Services. He retains his post as an Assistant Principal at Weequahic High School in Newark. Many of you supported Ras' campaign for City Council earlier this year. Although he lost by approximately 100 votes, it is clear that Ras, a native of this municipality, is an important leader in the city of Newark, a true voice for the hiphop generation and all the people of Newark, and a political force to be reckoned with in the coming years.
