CD: “Rising Down”

Most political album to date by hip-hop innovators The Roots, not coincidentally released on the 16th anniversary of the LA riots.  Topics include war, hypocrisy, prison, and addiction, and features collaboration with fellow artists Mos Def, Common, Talib Kweli, and more.

The L.A. Forum is a huge arena venue for sports and concerts in Inglewood, CA. Several years back, new owners of the venue hired powerful management corporation SMG to run the venue. SMG pushed deep, deep cuts in the salaries of the stagehands and janitors of the facility, and when these workers sought a new, fairer contract, they were fired. Over 120 workers continue to fight to get their jobs back, at a decent wage.

This video was taken back in March of 2008, and features Serj Tankian interviewing members of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees union (IASTE) Local 33, out picketing the Forum. They explain the beginnings of their campaign, and what people like you can do to help.

For more information, you can visit the Justice at the Forum website. You can also get information on how to contact the venue owners, or help spread the word about the struggle here.