Everybody under 45 knows that Beyonce and Kendrick Lamar rule the world of hip hop, right? Local 8888 President Spivey might stay on the outskirts of hip hop music, but he’s woke enough to recognize the challenge of connecting young workers with a catchy message to register and vote.

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Spivey said the union knows connecting with young people in the shipyard is key to boosting Local 8888’s political clout. “We face the challenge of creating an effective outreach program that spans generations. Something that could, say, appeal to Kendrick Lamar fans as well as Frankie Beverly fans,” Spivey said with a laugh.

To grab the attention of millennials, Local 8888 participated in a new video that features LA-based hip hop artist Xela with cameo appearances by Local 8888 representatives. The video will be circulated on all of Local 8888’s social media to engage younger members who follow conscious hip hop rappers. [It is also be available on Spotify, YouTube and other online sites.] https://youtu.be/BdIqPV0SsRw

Spivey says the hip hop video gives the local a new, creative tool to spark awareness in a generation of voters that responds to visual appeals. “We’ve got to move the needle with young folks,” he declared. “Our message must connect in the language and values of hip hop voters. I believe we’re off to a good start. We’ve got time to get this right.”   

Spivey said he also sees an opportunity to get more young Steelworkers involved in the local’s political operation. “We are going through an important transition. New folks are coming into the yard every day, while many of our seasoned political activists are near retirement,” he said. “They will take a lot of valuable political knowledge and campaign experience with them. So, we want to begin now to recruit and train a new generation of Local 8888 activists who can impact future elections.”