Plugging into hip-hop’s legacy of social justice and empowerment, the Hip Hop Institute 4 Peace (HH4PEACE) is leading the charge behind a global, anti-bias alliance ahead of the 2026 World Cup. #KickRacism is being established in collaboration with the United Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
The establishment of #KickRacism was propelled by “decisions affecting the 2026 World Cup, in which anti‑bias and zero‑tolerance messages were removed from stadium platforms and ‘clean zones’ during one of the world’s most-watched sporting events.” The press announcement — coming during Women’s History Month — also notes that #KickRacism’s mandate to foster human dignity and disconnect systemic racism recognizes “that racial justice and gender equity are inseparable.”
“#KickRacism isn’t just a campaign. It’s an action platform, driving real change through anti‑bias education, youth leadership, sports diplomacy and institutional accountability rooted in international human rights standards and hip-hop culture, ” said Tina Marie Tyler in a statement. Tyler, who created #KickRacism, is also the founder of Hip Hop Institute 4 Peace. “Hip-hop is a culture of change and action, empowering all communities, especially women, to stand up to discrimination of all forms.”
“Hip-hop has shaped my life for more than 25 years, and I’ve seen firsthand how women have been central to its creativity and leadership,” commented veteran hip-hop artist Philly Freeway, founder of Freedom Thinkers Academy. “We’re proud to partner with #KickRacism to align hip-hop culture and advance human dignity for all.”
To address racial injustice in public life, schools, media and sports, #KickRacism’s is focusing on a multifaceted campaign that includes advance policy dialogue, educational toolkits, cultural activations and youth-centered initiatives. Underscoring the platform’s manifest will be three tentpole events.
On March 27, the Hip Hop Institute 4 Peace will participate in the 9th Inter-American Week of People of African Descent in the Americas. In partnership with the Organization of American States, the Hip Hop Institute 4 Peace will address the Permanent Council in Washington, D.C. The day will conclude with “Peace Rhapsody: The 5 Elements of Hip-Hop.” The cultural closing ceremony — at which Philly Freeway will perform with the Howard University steppers — will spotlight hip-hop’s role as a force for diplomacy and equity.
#KickRacism’s next major component will take place during The International Day for People of African Descent (Aug. 31) in Los Angeles. Highlighting the day’s festivities will be the Hip-Hop Humanitarian Awards Gala with guests representing a cross section of global leaders, athletes, artists and human rights advocates. The third tentpole will be the International Day of Peace (Sept. 21). That day will be marked by the One Peace Humanitarian Concert in Newark, NJ.
“Advancing equity requires more than awareness — it requires sustained action and partnership,” remarked H.E. Dr. June Soomer, member of the United Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent. “#KickRacism embodies the kind of intersectional, culture-driven engagement that can bridge global commitments with community impact.”
For more information about #KickRacism, visit the website.