Obama Makes History and Kanye Remembers His Mother!

As America's first black presidential nominee was celebrated at the Democratic National Convention this week, the thoughts of many African Americans turned toward deceased loved ones who did not live to witness it happen.


"It's an incredible time to be around. I wish my momma could have seen this day," said Kanye West to the Associated Press early Thursday before his performance at Bono's ONE campaign party.


West, whose set included "Touch the Sky," "Home" and "Stronger," was also joined on stage by Jamie Foxx to sing "Gold Digger," which the Oscar winner preceded with a shout out to Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama.

"We make history, man," Foxx told the crowd. "With Obama, we make history. If you ready for Obama, make some noise. Yo man, let's do this for Obama."

West was backed by a band clad in black outfits that were described by the Associated Press as Mad Max-meets-DNC riot police. The Chicago-born artist also sang two new songs he said he'd written in the past several days – both more focused on relationships and heartbreak than politics.

The ONE party also drew such celebs as Forest Whitaker and Ashley Judd, who arrived with Foxx waving an American flag, Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey, former Virginia Gov. Mark Warner and former South Dakota Sen. Tom Daschle.


Story pulled from http://www.eurweb.com/

Rage To Perform During Democratic National Convention

Rage Against The Machine will perform for free on August 27 at the Denver Coliseum during the Democratic National Convention, in conjunction with the Iraq Veterans Against the War and Tent State University.
The performance, according to Billboard.com, is part of the Tent State Music Festival to End the War, and also features Flobots, the Coup, State Radio and Wayne Kramer. The event begins at 11:00 AM, and has no age requirements.

Fans can sign up for tickets, which will be given away free by lottery, by presenting a photo ID at Cuernavaca Park at the university's campus starting August 24 through August 26 from 11:00 AM to 6:30 PM.
Rage is keeping it fair, as the group will also perform on September 3 in Minneapolis - the same week the Republican National Convention takes place. Bassist/guitarist for the group, Tom Morello, has also said he intends to perform with Steve Earle at a union rally in the Twin Cities on September 1 (Labor Day).
Rage Against the Machine, noted for its political subject matter, as well as its incorporation of Hip Hop in its music, reunited at last year's Coachella festival, seven years after the group split. They also headlined last year's wildly successful Rock The Bells tour series.

Oprah to head to Denver for Obama nomination

From CNN's Victoria Riess


Oprah hit the trail for Obama during the primary season.
(CNN) — Oprah Winfrey will be on hand when Barack Obama accepts the Democratic nomination in Denver – but the talk show host, who was a key presence at rallies for the Illinois senator during the primary season, won’t take the stage, a representative from her production company told CNN Wednesday.

The spokeswoman also denied rumors Winfrey was planning to spend thousands renting a home in Denver during the convention.

In June, shortly after Obama effectively clinched the Democratic nomination, Winfrey – who appeared with him in several key early-voting states, including Iowa, New Hampshire and California – said she was "euphoric” over his victory.

“I've been doing the happy dance all day,” she said in a statement then. “I'm so proud of Barack and Michelle and what this means for all of us, the new possibilities for our country.”

She added that she’d be happy to hit the trail again on his behalf: “And if he wants me to, I'm ready to go door to door."

Filed under: Barack Obama • Oprah Winfrey

ROCK THE VOTE!!!

Rock the Vote Press Releases
Rock the Vote: Home » About Rock the Vote » Press Room » Press Releases

ROCK THE VOTE KICKS OFF CONVENTIONS WITH “BALLOT BASH” OPENING NIGHT CONCERT FEATURING FALL OUT BOY, N*E*R*D, JAKOB DYLAN AND AFTER-PARTY WITH NICK CANNON TO DJ
Washington, DC - August 12, 2008

Later this month, Rock the Vote will kick off our 2008 Democratic and Republican Convention activities with “Ballot Bash,” a star-studded event showcasing the power of the youth vote in the 2008 Presidential election. The Monday night concert in Denver, Colorado will feature world-class musical acts including: FALL OUT BOY, N*E*R*D and Jakob Dylan.

Don’t miss the action as guests, delegates, young adults, politicians and celebrities come together to rock the night away!

When:

Monday, August 25th 2008
Ballot Bash Concert: 10pm –12am MT
After Party: 12am – 2am MT

Where:

Ellie Caulkins Opera House
Denver Performing Arts Complex
Denver, Colorado

Who:

More than 2,500 guests will experience a live concert in the world-class acoustical Ellie Caulkins Opera House. The show will feature exclusive performances and collaboration by marquee artists including FALL OUT BOY, N*E*R*D and Jakob Dylan.

The party continues as 400 guests head to the official after party featuring Nick Cannon on the turntables with hottest VIPS and celebrity guests filling the room.

“Young people are critical in choosing the next President. As all eyes are on Denver and St. Paul, Rock the Vote will be front and center amplifying the voices of young Americans and ensuring that both candidates and campaigns are paying attention,” says Heather Smith Executive Director, Rock the Vote.

There is a political youth movement happening in the country right now. Young people hit the polls in record numbers this primary season and will carry that momentum to Election Day this November. Already in 2008, more than one million people have used Rock the Vote’s online tool to register to vote and by November, Rock the Vote will have registered more than two million 18-29 year olds through online, broadcast, and grassroots outreach.

Rock the Vote will be in Denver and St. Paul representing the 44 million eligible young voters. Through Ballot Bash and our other events at the conventions, we aim to make sure the political world knows that the time has come for young adults’ voices to be heard.

For additional information on Rock the Vote’s convention activities in both Denver and St. Paul please visit: www.rockthevote.com/rocktheconvention

Ballot Bash 2008 is made possible through the support of AT&T.

About Rock the Vote:

Rock the Vote’s mission is to engage and build the political power of young people in order to achieve progressive change in our country. Rock the Vote uses music, popular culture and new technologies to engage and incite young people to register and vote in every election. And we give young people the tools to identify, learn about, and take action on the issues that affect their lives, and leverage their power in the political process. Rock the Vote is creative, effective, and controlled by nobody’s agenda but our own – we tell it like it is and pride ourselves on being a trusted source for information on politics. We empower the 44 million young people in America who want to step up, claim their voice in the political process, and change the way politics is done. www.RockTheVote.com