Over the years their has been an ongoing sentiment among reformers in the youth development community, get rid of BET. I, myself, confess to sitting down one day and writting a chain letter demanding that the network clean up their act. I did nothing with the letter because the network is not at fault...ok maybe they should have guidelines for their videos, but that messes with the freedom of self expression. Yesterday, I read a blog on www.hiphopgrowsup.com, which out rite asked "Should We Blame Viacom?" and the writer stated what I realized years ago, the Network is a business that has to meet and exceed the bottom line for both it stockholders and other shareholders. We can't expect this for-profit business to operate any differently that any other company. So how we change what we see and hear in urban music?

The fearless social revolutionist Mahatma Ghandi said "Be the change you want to see in the world." I say, "Create change and ultimately you will change demand". There has been a powerful move on the Go Green scene. People developed organizations, these organizations networked, blogged and developed disciples. These disciples made demands in the marketplace and as a result we have eco- friendly cars, houses, appliances, food, clothes, more people recycle, think of any product in the marketplace and there is an eco-friendly version. This started with people creating synergy, creating change and as a result they changed demand.

Changing minds is a challenging task. However, if a group of individuals organize, network and create a synergy around the cause re framing the music of the hip hop culture, Music and Black Entertainment Television along with artist, record labels and radio would have to Supply more entertainment with positive, tasteful and meaningful messages. I'm not saying every song should be "Kumbaya", "We Are the World"; but it wouldn't hurt to have one less "Kill, Kill, Kill, Murder, Murder, Murder".

The time for change is NOW! So connect with us and create the change you want to see in the world!

Jonnette S. Fair

Founder, Hunter Reign
www.hunterreign.com