Cusp of Revolution....

I’m in the hotel room. Things here are still. Last night at the Tenacious D and Beastie Boys' show people kept saying “I cant believe tomorrow is the day!’’ Well, now tomorrow is today and no mater how you look at it America we are on the cusp of revolution...thousands of us have already voted and some have waited in "star wars" like line’s just to get to the voting booth. And today thousands more will.

Some events like 911 and Katrina, really made us look at ourselves deeply to the core, as who we are as a nation and who we want to be. I think to day will be one of those days…

This morning Obama and McCain woke up just like you and I and tonight one of them will go to sleep having made history…how exciting!

DonnY-

Young People In Full Force- Minnesota Represent!!!!

November 4, 2008

Photos by B FRESH Photography

7 a.m. At the University Avenue bus stop in St. Paul, Minnesota, Robina Rai continued her Get Out the Vote (GOTV) efforts from the night before. She is not a citizen, but has been active in the 2004, and now, the 2008 elections with the League of Young Voters, or as they say in the Twin Cities, the League of Pissed Off Voters. She took the number 16 from St. Paul to downtown Minneapolis, getting off at the University of Minnesota campus and Nicollet Mall, making sure people are getting out to vote, and are informed about the candidates. The League put together voter guides for cities across the country, which can be found online at www.theballot.org.

8 a.m. Nellie Brau, on her way to class to take a test, chose to represent her excitement about this year’s election with her American flag scarf. Zubair Saiyed was campaigning on a busy corner of campus for Obama, letting people know he thinks MN needs change. All over town, people on their way to class and work were greeted with the morning dew, and political flyers from the previous night’s “Midnight Madness” flyering efforts.

9 a.m. On Nicollett Mall, Malissa Mallory, a special education teacher who was recently laid off, was on her way to get health insurance, vote and then go volunteer and make sure people are getting out to vote today.

9:30 a.m. Deangelo Jacox was on his way to school at Studio 4/High School for Recording Arts. He is not old enough to vote yet, but can’t wait until the next election.

10:00 a.m. Franklin Delano- Nothing is an anarchist who believes people can organize and make change, even without a leader. He might vote today for the State Referenda on Clean Water, Wildlife, Cultural Heritage & natural Areas (AKA Vote Yes Minnesota), but he will not be voting for any individual person.

10:30 a.m. Robina makes her way back to University Avenue and gets off the bus at the Plasma Services building, where a line has formed to donate plasma for money. She makes her way up the line, making sure people know where to vote and that they can register at the polls today, because MN has same day registration. Today, she will also be poll watching with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in Minneapolis. The ACLU is part of a coalition of organizations that are making sure everything runs smoothly across the country today.

11:00 a.m. I finally make it to my voting location to cast my ballot. This is what I have been working towards for months and months. I can’t wait until this day is over, so I don’t have to see another nasty political advertisement on TV. I got my sticker, and checked out the ballot where kids can vote, too!

March on Wanish

Historically black Florida A&M University hosted a non-partisan march to the capital for early voting on Monday.

The campus gathered early that morning to began the 1.5 mile walk to the Tallahassee capital.

The event displayed a high level of youth involvement, and proved that the youth vote and the youth voice is important in this election season. The march on Wanish Street to the Capital would not have been a success without the dedication of youth from Florida State University, Tallahassee Community College and Florida A&M University.

The walk empowered the youth movement and gave hope to many unsure registered voters. Once more, the three campuses marched together to make an historic event happen in the Capital city that never had youth dominate the polls.

Unity+Voting=Change in our nation. Well, at least in my formula book. lol

To all college campuses, I encourage a similar movement that would inspire youth to team up and go to the polls together. No matter who you vote for, your vote is important. Neither candidate can win without your help.


Feel free leave a comment about what you and your campus is doing during the early election period.

"No Match, No Vote"

There is always a problem with Florida and the words “presidential election.” I don’t know if they're like oil and vinegar where they don’t mix, but it is a true statement that they are not very fond of each other.

A new voter registration law in Florida is causing some controversy that could affect thousands of new voters.

Recently, a “no match, no vote” law could prevent eligible voters from making it to the polls this November. The “no match, no vote” law states that if information in the state and federal databases does not match what is on your voter registration card, then you will not be able to vote unless you submit a provisional ballot.

According to a news report by wtxl.com, the law previously blocked 16,000 eligible Floridians from registering to vote.

Staff officials say there are ways to make your vote count in November. Officials encourages all perspective voters to make sure their form is complete, they write legibly, and turn in all forms on time.

The deadline to register for the November election is October 6th.

What do you think about the controversial issues surrounding Florida and the elections? Drop a line and let me know. I want to know if the government, in Diddy’s words, “is bugging out.”

DNC Still on my Mind

It's hard to move on from a weekend filled with memorable moments. Each day of the Democratic National Convention created a memory that can never be replaced. I met a lot of great leaders, I captured a lot of historic activities, I mingled with a lot of politically motivated citizens, I watched a lot of exciting moments and I reported on a lot of memorable events.
This blog is an ode to the DNC; a memory that has been created that can never be restored. Lives were changed and many people made history for themselves.


Who could ever forget the game of clue with statistics Rock the Vote staff and Rock the Trail reporters planted around Denver. The black t-shirts and posters may have had a number with few details, but if you came to the booth you knew those numbers represented shocking statistics for youth.
81.6 Represents the number of registered 18-28 year-old voters who voted in the 2004 election.
















13.3 percent of youth 18-28 don't have health care insurance.











Over 1 million 17-29 year-old citizens have served in Iraq or Afghanistan.










The day YOU decide our future.













I was back at home by Sunday to watch my Lifetime movies, but it was fun to enjoy a performance by Ashanti and Idina Menzel at a fun-field party hosted by Lifetime and Rock the Vote. The performances were great, and the message they left fans "GO OUT AND VOTE" was even greater.















Our Country would be a great country if we were not able to protest out beliefs. In deed people protested,














but police were right there in their riot gear to keep things in order.











FINALLY....
THE MOMENT YOU'VE BEEN WAITING FOR
More than 85,000 people came to hear the most infamous speech since Rev. Dr. Martin Luther king's I Have a Dream Speech.














Donnie and I were there, firsthand, to blog, write, and report on the BIG DAY.





Democratic supporters showed their support of the democratic candidate. The event was breath-taking. Who ever thought I, De Nishia Yearby, would be covering an historic election.
The opportunity came where I bypassed thousands of people and positioned myself in the "press" section. With my pen in my hand, I began documenting the most historic event of all times.

TO BE CONTINUED........




P.S. Check out an upcoming feature on the impact and future DNC left viewers. Also, in the words of my fellow Rock the Trail Reporter: "Credentials" You gotta love that word. It was the most important word during the convention. The word that made it possible to get up close and in person footage of the Decmoratic National Convention.

Music at the DNCC

Check out Donny Lumpkins' interview with the music director of the DNCC:

Michelle Speaks

Michelle Obama, Jill Biden, family and friends gathered early Wednesday to prepare care packages for the troops.

The host, Delegate Service Day for the National Democratic Convention, kicked off the event at the city’s Curtis Park neighborhood. Jeannie Ritter, the wife of Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter, was there to support the non-partisan event that inspires citizens to reach out and service troops.

Obama spoke on her new-found friendship with Mrs. Biden, and though they have only known each other for a while, they both share an unconditional passion to serivce troops and veterans.

“These projects are our way of saying thank you to the people of Denver, our gracious hosts this week. But our work today is also out of support and great admiration for the troops who are serving our country abroad and keeping us safe at home. My family is thrilled to be here today to send a few comforts of home to our soldiers overseas,” Michelle Obama said. “We hope the more than one thousand delegates taking part in the many service projects across Denver today will carry that commitment to service back to help their communities long after our convention is over.”

Michelle Obama brought Iraq Veteran Tammy Duckworth to the event.

More photos:


Michell Obama and Jeanie Ritter

Michelle and Me
Tammy Duckworth


Jill Biden and me
The youngest Obama, Sasha

Changing the Conversation

Maybe I watch too much TV but it's cool how AT&T Changes the conversation about their mobile devices.

If you haven't seen the commercial, here's a piece of the transcript.

Mother:I have not had it up to here with you, young lady!
Daughter:Why do you insist on treating me like an adult?
Mother: Because you insist on acting like one! Now you're getting this new phone.
Daughter:But it's so small! I really like it! Why is it always what I want?
Mother: Well, do you have any idea how much money this is not going to cost me?
Daughter:I love you!
Mother: I know you really mean that.
Daughter: You never hated me and you never will!
Mother: You are the most grateful little....
Announcer: Cingular is changing the conversation about cellphones....

Just as AT&T is changing the conversation, so are the youth at the National Democratic Convention.

Monday night at Rock the Vote’s Ballot Bash proved that a group of young people could come together and organize an event that was successful and very meaningful. N.E.R.D., Nick Cannon, Fall Out Boy and Jakob Dylan were just a few celebrities that came through and performed. Others sat in the audience and enjoyed the event.

Every performance was on point. Even our Myspace winner, Otep, had a great crowd of enthused listeners. Otep and her band were able to register 500 people in three days, beating out 5,000 bands who also competed. She shared a touching speech about speaking up and seeing change or doing nothing and seeing no change.

The celebrities and their speeches were a great edition, but it was the youth out and about in the Opera House that had more of a telling story.

Trick or Vote was out in their elaborate Halloween Costumes. When I spoke with the Mummy, he said that Trick or Vote is the largest non-partisan organization that hit the streets….in costume. How exciting. The costumes added curiosity to their purpose and formed a lot of partnerships with their creativity.

Other youth had a lot to say about being at the Democratic Convention for the first time. Many who were 18 shared their enthusiasm to vote. I remember being just like that when I was their age. I connected with a lot almost immediately. We spoke about changes and promoting the vote ideas that we wanted to take back to our respective communities.

Overall, the event was a success. We talked, we danced, but most of all we changed the conversation. It was about the youth for once, and what we can do to be heard in America. Like Otep said in her speech: “If you want high gas prices, the war in Iraq to continue and higher taxes….sit around and do nothing!”

To get the Rock the Vote Ballot Bash Experience, watch the unedited and uncut clips.

Footage includes:
N.E.R.D
FALL OUT BOY
Nick Cannon
Jakob Dylan and The Gold Mountain Rebels
Interviews
And more

From Bugs Bunny to Pac Man (Rock The Bells 08)

Rock the bells was hot, real hot. I feel like if I was alone in that heat I would have been seeing the wavy mirages Bugs Bunny experiences whenever he’s in the desert. I would have been drinking sand milk shakes from imaginary diner stools like the classic cartoon caricature did in his day (shout out to Daffy). My main issue with the day was my trouble with the yellow shirted event staff at the venue. I would try to get back stage with my press pass and they would say “you can’t go this way.” I would say there is no other way to go! They would say, “ Well, grow wings kid.” If you don’t know let me tell you, its really hard to convince someone you’re a reporter and belong some place when you look like a punk kid in a fitted cap and tight jeans, so good old ingenuity and dumb luck comes in handy. I met a nice young lady who worked for Rock The Vote a couple years back that now works for Rock the Bells that really stuck her neck out for me to get this little purple bracelet that allowed me to get past all the mean people in yellow shirts just like Pac Man does with the ghosts on his way to the tasty digital bananas and cherries (Yessssss). In my case the tasty bananas came in the form comfy couches, an open bar, and tiny white castle-like burgers behind the main stage.

Though none of the artists would give me the time of day when I asked for interviews, they were happy to pose for pictures- after putting down their bottles of Patron of course.

Many artists had something to say in their set about politics from Tyga remixing Lil Wayne’s “A milli” with a song called “Obama” to Dead Prez talking between songs about how people shouldn’t be so quick to jump behind any candidate.

I have to say the press bigwigs with their huge camera and kaki shorts were a bit frustrating to deal with; they got all the interviews and ate most of the tiny burgers (Lame).

But despite the yellow shirts, the lack of interviews, and the impolite press people I still got to see an amazing hip hop show! And you will hear no complaints from this small fish.

DonnY-

Barack the Vote or Campaign for McCain?

It’s official! Rock the Vote is teaming up with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s) to launch "Battle of the Vote." It’s the largest campaign of its kind to register 2 million young adult voters.

"Battle of the Vote" is history in the making. It’s an innovative promotion tool that allows HBCU’s to compete to register over 8000 students and young citizens to vote.

This drive specifically targets Black Americans who make up 36.7 percent of the voting population. Rock the Vote wants to increase that number as well as motivate and encourage current voters to continue to strive for political change.

Don’t sleep on this opportunity. Rock the Vote has been in contact with Black American media and organizations; Sister2Sister magazine, The Source Magazine, Black Entertainment Television (BET) and other media outlets to ensure that this drive is a guaranteed success.
If you and your school isn't down for the cause yet, then you better get on it ‘cause we're taking over one youth at a time. This is our year. This is the young person’s year. If you wanna be heard join forces and demand to be heard.

Barack the vote or campaign for McCain. Which ever you choose, make it happen on your campus. For more information on "Battle of Vote" contact the Rock the Vote office.

At ComicCon

Hey everyone! I will be attending Comic Con in San Diego this weekend. I will be covering the new Rock the Vote and Peanuts partnership. Peanuts and Rock the Vote are holding a mock election so that you can flex your your "voting muscles" before the November election!

The Candidates are:

Charlie Brown

Lucy

Linus

Sally

Snoopy

You can vote online and check out the results on www.peanutsrocksthevote.com, the site will be up and running in August. Check back for more info this next week as we will have interviews and pictures of the 2008 Comic Con , Peanuts and Rock the Vote!

Finding My Voice 1: What's good in the hood?

You may be wondering, Who is this B FRESH girl? and What will she be covering? Let me start with a few basics: First, the most crucial factor in my reporting with Rock the Vote is that I will cover issues, people, organizations, movements and perspectives that other journalists may be afraid to call out and dive into. They must be preoccupied by the glitz and glamour of the shiny, sexy stories. Don’t get me wrong, I sometimes enjoy a glamorously sexy story but I will not be sidetracked by the bling.

Second, I am passionate about talking to YOU, following YOU around and learning YOUR story- the real story. Third, I recognize the power of our generation to sway elections, alter perceptions, shift paradigms, and put an eraser to the negativity that we have endured. We can make a difference, and demand our voices be heard.

I want you to join in and demand that media no longer demonize, criminalize and misrepresent youth. Whether it be talking with your friends about issues that your community faces and how you can create change, joining in at a local rally, or simply sending a text message to a friend to let them know what the deal is, stay active and engaged.

I will thoughtfully examine heavily covered issues such as police brutality and gang violence, but not in the way you might expect. Looking back, I have lived all of my life in the city, love the hood that has nurtured me, and respect the people I have had the privilege to learn from.

I am witness to the deception game the media has played and want to share a slice of the gritty and beautiful truth through my pen and lens. When I bring you stories about police brutality and they will be through the eyes of those who live within the aftershock of Monday’s year-to-date murder statistic headline, daily.
I will report about how youth are responding, and what is being done in our communities to address the root causes. When I highlight the lives of young people in gangs who may be hangin’ on the corner sellin’ dope, I will explore dreams, aspirations, and the systematic and institutional sources of injustice, racism, sexism, classism etc.

I look forward to covering the hottest shows and sharing interviews with local and national celebrities on the issues young people care about. I will be reporting live from the 2008 National Hop Hop Political Convention, the Democratic and Republican National Conventions, as well as other fresh events. I am excited to share with you exclusive photos and video that will shine a ray of positivity on this drab parade.

So, I leave you with a few questions to ponder: Do you want to hear about what soldiers are doing after returning from overseas, about the dopest youth organizations making things happen, and politicians that really care about what you have to say? Then stay tuned, and keep an eye out for my convention music videos...

Keepin' it Rural

What is up world! You've met me before - now hear me when I tell you I'm going to bring you some hot blogging action right here at Rock the Vote!

This election season I'm covering some of the hottest issues from rural America. That's right, I'm keepin' it rural, baby! Everything from the coolness of food and cows to things like broadband and wifi in the sticks. Not to mention some great info about the environment and how folks are "greening" our world with green jobs, alternative fuels and energy, and the efforts implemented by our own generation to save the planet our parents have totally screwed up. That's right, ya'll, its up to us!

Specifically I'm excited to look at why there is no broadband internet access in rural areas. Another highlight for me is that I will get to report from the first ever green city in Greensberg, Kansas! I also hope to speak with young people living on Native American reservations about their involvement in their communities. Most kids want to get out of town as soon as they graduate from high school. I'd like to talk to young Native Americans about how they manage to push away that common urge to fly from the nest and instead choose to stick around and make their community stronger and better.

I'm also addressing the serious concerns we all have about our economy. Times are tough and our generation is getting hit hard with soaring gas prices, student loans, home foreclosures and you don't even want to get me started on the price of coffee.

Other important issues are the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. I'll be talking specifically with soldiers coming back home, some folks who are headed that way, soldiers from the first Iraq War and their perspectives, as well as taking a serious look at the ways in which we can step up to take care of our troops. We hear a lot of stories about what is happening, but we don't ever get any kind of follow up on what has been done, how people are organizing around specific issues, or the end result. I hope to bring you that information and comments from the troops themselves.

This is a great upcoming election for us! Not only do we have a multitude of issues that our generation is becoming involved in, but we are standing up to take action on those issues. We also have a number of folks our age running for office to make a difference that way. I will strive to bring you all the information on young candidates that I can find and perhaps even help you see how their perspectives are different from the older candidates'. Who knows, maybe my stories will inspire you to run some day, too!

Hit me up with ideas and questions - but comment and keep the convo going. Its all about the conversation!

I'm on the Trail!

The time has come and I can officially get started on the Trail! I finally have my beats that I will cover throughout the month of July! "Finalmente!"("Finally!" in English.)

My job will be to track the "Latino Invasion" and how that corresponds to immigration . I plan to cover the issue at length in order to uncover its deep, deep, deep truths. I hope to shed light on where Latinos fit into society as a whole. In and of itself immigration is certainly a controversial topic that will shape the 2008 Presidential Election. I am so excited to get the chance to open up this issue to you and the rest of the world.

Yet, this not my only focal point. There are other important issues I will be covering such as music, culture and activism. I hope to bring you stories that detail the political affiliations of musicians. I also will take on the responsibiliy of interviewing returning veterans from the war in Iraq and get their input on what is going on in the Middle East.

Even as important as these issues are there are still more topics we must all be aware of. We all need to understand the importance of issues that have long term effects. Our political leaders that we elect have our future in their hands. It is time for the youth to get involved with their lives and, yeah, that means that you HAVE TO VOTE! Yeah , I said it. You can quote me on that! We have to get involved now because these are the moments that will make history. Together we will make our collective voice stronger. We are the "Sleeping Giant" and it is time to awaken that giant.

I really would like to hear from you because as much as I am doing this for my primos, primas, tios, tias, and el Vecino, I am doing this for you, too. Remember, life is merely a word until you make something of it.

From Beats To Beats

Raldon “Donny” Lumpkins,


This week I was assigned my beats, something I was apprehensive about at first because I, like lot of kids I know don’t like to do things I don’t want to do, you might call it a character flaw but I call it (ummmm) the selfish behavior of a normal 20 year old. (My bad, its all love. xoxo) But now that I know them (my beats) I must say I’m happy with what I got. The nice folks at Rock The Vote head quarters seem to know me better than I do. The beats they chose for me to cover reflect my style and interest about as much as a new pair of Nikes in a shoe store foot mirror. (Fresh!) These are beats my drum role please!

Young Black men and voting: • Family issues: Economic Issues and Youth organizations activities in my community.

You best believe I plan to stay on top of these story beats like the best rappers do drum beats, with different kinds of media seamlessly weaved together like snares and high hats on a track that you cant help but to be moved by, With powerful stories that find a place in your heart and stay there like the bass of an 808 drum machine. (Fingers humbly crossed)

One of the things that I'm most existed to cover is all of the issues young black men face. These issues could potentially include cash flow, family, relationships, friends or overall mental health. These issues have always been paramount in my heart and mind. I know that these things are not just young black issues but issues all young people deal with and I hope I can rep us (the youth) correctly. I plan to shine a new light on the struggles of being young and wrestles in America, a light that isn’t being wielded by a cable news camera man or a police officer, but a young black man that is trying to find answers for everyone else as much as he is for himself.

I'm a CNN Finalist: Exercise Your Right and Vote!

I just found out that I am one of ten finalists for the CNN iReport challenge. YAY!

The challenge was to create a 30 second promo to promote iReport.com, and the winning iReport may air on CNN. CNN has chosen the finalists, now it’s up to the general public to decide who should be the grand prizewinner.

Please exercise your right to vote and visit http://www.ireportchallenge.com/gallery.asp and vote daily (now until Aug. 3, 2008) for the commercial you feel is the most meaningful in promoting and encouraging iReporters to upload their stories. Just for voting, you could be entered to win a flip video camera courtesy of CNN. You can even start your own iReport quest if you so choose.

This CNN iReport challenge means a great deal to me. I will be honored and thankful if you all pitch in and help me reach one of my many career goals.

I put a lot of effort into creating my very first commercial. I am delighted to share it with all Rock the Vote viewers. Below is a copy of my original commercial. Unfortunately my original video was not submitted in the promo challenge because I couldn’t shrink the file size, but a similar video with less detail was entered in the contest. You can view the submitted version on the voting website.

Your vote DOES count so please vote! YOU deserve to be heard.

Introducing the Rock the Trail Reporters

Our Rock the Trail reporters arrive in DC today for their debriefing, before they head out to cover the 2008 elections.

I asked them each to answer a few questions:

1. Describe your first time voting.
2. Who's your favorite Rock the Vote musical artist?
3. What issues matter most to you as a Rock the Trail journalist?

Check back soon to hear what each of our five new reporters has to say.