During a fiery mayoral race in St. Louis, rapper and activist T-Dubb-O claims he came under police scrutiny for speaking out against a proposed gun bill and opposing a candidate he believes threatens Black political influence.
Tef Poe and T-Dubb-O, long-time figures in the St. Louis activist scene sparked by the Ferguson uprising, are at the forefront of the city's current political battle. The recent mayoral election was notably contentious, with Tishaura Jones, the city's first Black female mayor, facing criticism and opposition from white alderwoman Cara Spencer.
Jones' victory was seen as a significant achievement for the Black community, but Spencer's ties to corporate interests and law enforcement raised concerns among activists. Spencer's support for a bill targeting open carry laws, which was considered discriminatory, led T-Dubb-O to publicly denounce her at a town hall event, resulting in his brief detainment by the police.
Tef Poe, inspired by the legacy of civil rights activists like Ivory Perry, released a track titled "Ghost of Ivory Perry" to rally support against Spencer's campaign tactics. Poe and T-Dubb-O continued to use their platform to mobilize the community and highlight the significance of Black leadership in St. Louis.
The artists faced backlash and legal threats for their outspoken activism, with Spencer's attempts to involve law enforcement to silence dissent painting a troubling picture of suppressing political opposition. Despite challenges, Poe and T-Dubb-O remained steadfast in their commitment to defending their community and using Hip-Hop as a tool for social change.
The parallels between their struggle and the broader fight for racial justice and empowerment in St. Louis echo the city's history of resilience and resistance. As they navigate the aftermath of the mayoral race and the ongoing quest for a more equitable St. Louis, Poe and T-Dubb-O are determined to uphold their legacy of using music and activism to challenge oppression and advocate for their community's rights.