*KIN PSA by New Orleans Hip Hop Legend Joe Blakk**

Joseph Francois (Joe Blakk) is a local musician in “the most musical city in America” who uses rap and hip hop to educate and organize youth and community members to fight for social change. As Community Organizer for Central and Mid-City, he will work to maximize resident influence over the course of rebuilding through partnerships and direct actions. He will be at the forefront of creating an innovative structure for combining the resources of faith networks, the indigenous musically based “Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs”, and the Hip Hop generation to create a powerful resident voice and force for quality public education, safe neighborhoods, affordable housing, and quality jobs. He will map assets and resources in Central and Mid-City, develop block clubs, and promote co-ops to facilitate the return of the Diaspora. Mr. Francois grew up in the public housing projects of New Orleans and graduated with a B.S. in Computer Science from Southern University.