Thug Life Army

The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services has issued a report that lists 58% of all female homicide victims are at the hands of domestic violence. With the rate of abuse increasing in the United States, victim and female hip hop rap artist Queen Pen is taking a stand for battered women and asking the NYC community and leaders for support and change at a press conference Friday, January 16th. The press conference will be lead by Hip Hop artist Queen Pen, NY Senator Eric Adams, and hip hop rap MC Persia (Vh1's White Rapper Show), at the Denim Lounge (1223 Bedford Ave) in Brooklyn at 4pm.

In a press release issued by the NYS DCJS, 55% of female homicides are directly linked to a domestic incident, a story Lynise Walters aka hip hop rap artist Queen Pen knows all too well. After being hospitalized in January and beat unconscious, merely being a survivor of domestic abuse is not enough for Queen Pen. Several run-ins with an ex-boyfriend proved to Walters that she couldn''t handle the abuse on her own and contacted police in June 2008. "It took 31 minutes for police to respond to a 911 call," Walters said after she spotted her attacker outside of her home days after a brawl between the two. "If my life is taken away or I can''t provide for my children, who's going to take care of them?" said Pen, who’s fundraising and mentoring work with victims was commended by Gov. David Paterson. Queen Pen declares to "Make a change with domestic violence victims and the legislation" through her organization Silent Cries.

At 4pm, Walters, New York Senator Eric Adams, Assembly Member Hakeem Jeffries, Executive Vice President of the New York Board of Rabbis-Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, Former New York Knicks Player & Activist John Starks, Persia from The White Rapper show, and Nefu Da Don will join together in a press conference to rally against domestic violence and ask the New York community for change. Hip Hop Performer Lil Mama, The Hudson-King Foundation and Greg King, (father of Hudson's nephew, Julian King) are also a special invited guests to the January press conference on domestic violence.

Last October, fans of Jennifer Hudson empathized with the songstress and her family with the news that her mother, sister, and nephew were killed in a domestic dispute. Many have dedicated organizations and foundations devoted to helping the families of murdered victims in violent crimes. The December report from NYS DCJS has linked 58% of all homicides to someone the victim knew personally. This disturbing fact has raised the awareness of many leader officials and public figures around the nation. On Jan. 16th, Queen Pen will gather friends and supporters to share their intimate stories and advocate for battered women and children around the nation.

Many of Pen's supporters have witnessed firsthand the terrors of domestic violence. Female hip hop emcee hopeful Persia (VH1's White Rapper Show) is now working with Queen Pen to advocate harsh domestic violence punishment against assailants in domestic cases after she was arrested for gun possession to protect her mother, and 6-month old child from an estranged ex. "I was involved in an abusive relationship which led to him trying to kill me," Persia says. "I felt I had no choice but to protect myself." Terrified for her family's safety, Persia acquired an unregistered loaded weapon that resulted in her arrest after a routine traffic stop. "I''m advocating in hopes that the laws can be in favor to the abused and we won''t have to fear for our lives any longer." Queen Pen hopes this press conference will rally attention to the cause and push for more legislation in domestic violence cases.

Background on Queen Pen:

Lynise Walters, aka Queen Pen is a Brooklyn native, female rap artist, who earned a Grammy for Best R & B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals in 1997 with producers Dr. Dre and Teddy Riley. Recently, Pen has decided to focus on developing at risk teens and speaking in juvenile prisons, group homes, inner city schools, and facilities for young mothers. She is also an accomplished author with two books, Situations and Blossom selling over 70,000 copies collectively with a third book on the way. In 2008 she united with The Coalition of Family Justice to open Silent Cries, an organization to help battered women and children overcome domestic violence. A strong back-bone and courage has guided her back to music recording a new album coming in 2009 with some production by heavy industry heavy weight Teddy Riley, as well as a new song out called "Jungle Fever" featuring Rah Dolla. Queen Pen also manages her son Nefu Da Don and Reggae artist Suave Luciano. For more information on Queen Pen visit www.mnsmediagroup.com or contact Ernest Jackson at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Watch Intersections Trailer featuring Persia and Queen Pen

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzyCzTGrX_U

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