Rosa A. Clemente

Rosa Alicia Clemente is a community organizer, journalist and hip-hop activist. Born and raised in the South Bronx, she is a graduate of the University of Albany and Cornell University. A much sought-after commentator, political activist, community organizer and independent reporter, Rosa has been delivering workshops, presentations and commentary for more than 10 years. In 2003, Rosa helped form and coordinate the first-ever National Hip Hop Political Convention that drew more than 3,000 activists who came together to create and implement a national political agenda for the hip hop generation. In the days after Hurricane Katrina ravaged parts of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, Rosa was the only hip hop journalist on the ground. Her reports were carried on independent and mainstream radio and TV stations all over the world, including Air America, NPR, Pacifica Radio, Democracy Now!, the BBC, and Hard Knock Radio. Currently, Rosa is focused on the impact of the 2008 elections, addressing issues of excessive use of physical force, intimidation and infiltration tactics by law enforcement officials and increasing the number of young women of color in leadership roles. Rosa is co-founder of the R.E.A.C.Hip Hop Coalition -- a media justice advocacy group.