Harvard Law School Reaches Out to Inner City At-Risk High School Students

Cambridge, MA, February 20, 2014 --(PR.com)-- Harvard Law School’s Black Law Student Association and the Hip Hop Entertainment Law Project will again host their annual Youth Summit. This important event was created to help combat the devastating effects the School to Prison Pipeline has on inner-city youth. President Obama recently announced his initiative to confront this devastating problem for young blacks and Latinos. Harvard’s Youth Summit provides at-risk students with opportunities for mentorship and guidance. This event focuses on giving at-risk, high school youth the opportunity to engage with leaders in the black community through a non-traditional Q&A session.

Panelists will discuss how we, as both individuals and a community, can empower ourselves to thrive as leaders despite difficult circumstances. This year’s panelists are:

Maria Davis, AIDS Activist. Maria knew talent when she saw it and with the help of mentors became known as one of New York’s premiere promoters. With support from various record labels, she produced, directed and promoted her infamous music showcases, M.A.D. Wednesday’s. In 1995, Maria’s life took a turn, she contracted the HIV virus unknowingly from her soon-to-be-husband. Maria knew that she had to devote her life to educating women, men and children about AIDS. She regularly speaks to educators, health care providers, ministers and social workers regarding HIV/AIDS awareness and sensitivity. Most recently, she appeared on the popular VH1 show, Black Ink Crew, to raise awareness for HIV/AIDS.

Romal Tune, M.Div, Author, and Motivational Speaker. Tune, as he is affectionately called is the Founder and Executive administrator of Faith For Change, which solicits community involvement with high-needs schools to keep kids in school and promote lasting academic achievement, and FFC Consulting, which engages and connects principals, companies, and organizations with the faith- based community at large. With education at the forefront of his mission, Tune is empowered by lessons learned from his own at-risk youth. He is Author of the critically acclaimed and award winning book God’s Graffiti: Inspiring Stories for Teens.

KJ Holiday, Director of Urban Programming Clear Channel Radio. KJ serves as Programming Director for Urban WJLB/DETROIT (WJLB FM 98) and Urban AC WMXD (MIX 92.3). Throughout his career in his various capacities as a broadcaster, K.J. Holiday has maintained a commitment of excellence in the community, being a part of some of the biggest charitable events.

The Summit will be preceded by a luncheon and keynote address from REVOLT Media & TV CEO, Keith Clinkscales. Hand picked by Sean Combs to lead one of the largest, independent network launches in cable television history, Clinkscales took the helm of REVOLT Media & TV as CEO in 2013. An expert on the intersection between lifestyle and culture, Clinkscales oversees an aggressive strategy to make REVOLT the new #1 name in music.

The event is part of HBLSA’s Annual Spring Conference titled, "Rewriting the Agenda: A Call to Action." The HLS BLSA chapter is the largest BLSA Chapter in the nation. It exists for the support, guidance and direction of Black students in academic, professional and social endeavors. HHELP was created to motivate at risk youth to do well in school using the music industry, and help them pursue careers in the music industry. Previous panelists include, Russell Simmons the “original and eternal Hip-Hop Mogul” creator of Def Jam Recordings in 1984 and Phat Farm Clothing.