The last couple of weeks in America have been full of mourning, anger, and confusion across all fronts, as the nation bore witness to the killing of black men Alton Sterling and Philando Castille at the hands of the police, which was followed by a police ambush in Dallas that left five officers dead.
While the recent events seem to have escalated racial tensions, a vast number of companies and celebrities have been utilizing their voice to bring the country together, rather than let hate and fear drive us apart.
As Black Lives Matter protest have spread globally, two of the most prominent rappers in the hip-op industry, Snoop Dogg and The Game, are using their stature to start a community-driven conversation right at home.
After meeting with and live streaming a conversation with the Los Angeles Police Department, which was followed by a peace rally called Operation H.U.N.T, Snoop and Game held a press conference with L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti and LAPD Police Chief Charlie Beck to discuss public safety and strengthening the relationships between minorities and the police department.
Now, Snoop and Game are now looking to unite the local gangs and neighborhoods in Southern California. On Sunday, the stars hosted the "Time To Unite: United Hoods + Gangs Nation" summit at the South L.A. Community center, a town hall-style meeting between Crips, Bloods, and other gang members in the community.
“I want to extend the invitation to all […] GANG LEADERS from every hood in our city as well as the surrounding cities […] to have the much needed conversation amongst ourselves about our influence on the youth in our respective neighborhoods & how we can serve as better role models to them & the brothers we stand beside daily,” The Game wrote on Instagram.
Both Snoop and Game have been two of the most outspoken celebrities on the entire situation between minorities and police, and have reached out to both sides to ensure that a solution comes sooner rather than later.
On his lengthy and heartfelt Instagram post (see above), The Game made it clear that the most urgent need was for the black community to come together in support of one another, regardless of what neighborhood or set they claim. In his post, the rapper pleaded to gang members across Southern California to leave the beef behind and become a unified community, making the streets a safer place for both their children and themselves.