Cousin Jeff Hip-Hop and Civil Rights Print
Written by Robert ID1132   
Thursday, 07 April 2005 23:11

 

''Cousin Jeff''

April 14 at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT, BET's Jeff Johnson aggressively wraps up "The Bridge is Over," a two-part exploration by THE COUSIN JEFF CHRONICLES into the divide between the Hip-Hop and Civil Rights generations.

In this half-hour of uncensored television, Cousin Jeff, or Jeff, boldly explores the highly sensitive and taboo usage of the word "Nigger" and its various meanings. Cutting deeper into the topic's pressing question: Have we gone from "let freedom ring" to "bling bling," Jeff dissects this query by also examining the controversial music of the hip-hop generation.

Hear from the likes of Dr. Cornel West; Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-District of Columbia), hip-hop / rap artist Common and candid interviews from the streets, barbershops and churches on how the disconnect may have occurred, and what can be done to bridge the gap.

Viewers will be deeply moved by part II of "The Bridge is Over" as this emotional episode exposes each party's hurt and frustrations in candid, eye-opening revelations.

No matter which side of the bridge viewers may relate to, this installment of THE COUSIN JEFF CHRONICLES may ultimately shake things up. Future topics for dissection on THE COUSIN JEFF CHRONICLES include "It's a BIG Deal - Black Youth and Obesity"; "Locked Out - I''m Out of Jail, But Still Behind Bars"; and "Silent Millionaires - The Story of Self-Made Millionaires Under Age 30."

Dubbed as the voice for a new generation, Jeff Johnson raises social and political awareness in young people by touching on subjects relevant to their culture and environment.

Whether sharing his political expertise on BET or elsewhere, Jeff captivates audiences with his distinctive ability to fuel dialogue and examine various points of view.

Jeff was first introduced to BET viewers as a frequent guest on the popular music program RAP CITY. But Jeff is no stranger to political forums. He is the former Vice President of Russell Simmons'' Hip Hop Summit Action Network and the former National Director of the NAACP Youth and College Division. Jeff has been seen on BET TONIGHT and C-SPAN; and been featured in the Washington Post, USA Today and New York Times. He has lectured at colleges and universities around the country and continues to conduct leadership training sessions for young people and adults.