Use rappers and other local influencers to increase Cleveland’s civic reach: Napoleon J. Harris

In Cleveland, a vibrant wave of political involvement is sweeping the city, fueled by collaborations between black men, women, fraternities, sororities, civic leaders, clergy and professionals. This collective energy is harnessing resources and relational currency to encourage electoral participation. However, despite these efforts, a significant opportunity remains untapped: reaching those who are not yet engaged in the political process.

While current initiatives are laudable, they primarily involve individuals who are already regular voters and politically civic-minded, at least to some extent. To achieve the widespread sociopolitical change that our nation (both conservative and progressive movements) demands, we must find ways to galvanize and engage those who are currently absent from the political arena. This requires creativity and a focus that goes beyond simply encouraging voting; it is necessary to promote comprehensive civic engagement.

Current get-out-the-vote initiatives are too narrow, short-lived and not far-reaching enough to truly bring about progressive and lasting social transformation! We need a government at the service of the people, and this can only happen when the people are filling the stands, on the field, and calling for action in the political arena.

Civic engagement involves understanding the basic principles of government operations, the distinctions between branches and levels of government, and an understanding of key roles and responsibilities. The lack of ongoing civic engagement that is prevalent in certain neighborhoods is not just due to apathy. Part of this comes from unconsciousness.

To encourage the necessary infusion of insights, I propose using local influencers. Cleveland’s rich history of artists and musicians provides a unique opportunity to leverage their platforms for social change. In particular, Cleveland has an abundance of incredible local rappers with deep community connections to key demographics that are regularly under-involved in civic issues. If these artists are educated, engaged and activated to galvanize their audiences, they could provide the missing link needed for sustained civic participation – beyond voting!

If anyone needs convincing that music and social movement go hand in hand, they need only consider history. Songs like “We Shall Overcome” and “Alright” have become anthems that have united and inspired activists since Rev. Films like “The Black Power Mixtape” and “Let Freedom Sing: How Music Inspired the Civil Rights Movement” catalog the significant role that music has played in the political arena of the past. Similarly, reggae music (Bob Marley) and Afrobeat (Fela Kuti) played crucial roles in liberation movements across the African diaspora, serving as a voice of resistance against imperialism, colonization and life-denying oppression.

Collaborating with local artists like BARTWatts, Caesar Rio, and Vitto Banks to create songs that not only make us tap, bop, dance, and sing along, but also serve as real-life rhythmic public announcements, shining a light on civic issues. In Cleveland, we have the opportunity to do more than just vote; We can literally move forward further as a leading American city again through intentional civic engagement, participation and education. We can replicate these historic successes through collaboration with local artists because music has the power to reach diverse audiences and inspire action. As the music advances, so does the movement – ​​I am convinced that a facilitated synergy between art and activism will lead to significant social change through sustained voter engagement.

Cleveland’s current election outreach efforts are more than remarkable, but I believe there is still a huge opportunity to engage those who are not already politically/civically engaged by leveraging influential local artists like Vitto Banks, BARTWatts, Melody Reign, and others to take advantage the power of music and its platforms already created to promote education and civic engagement, thus changing the political and civic landscape with new, energized and informed participants.

The Reverend Dr. Napoleon J. Harris is pastor of Antioch Baptist Church, an Omega Man, self-proclaimed music aficionado, and lover of all things Cleveland.

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