The feature segment by reporter Rehema Ellis focused on growing protests against objectionable lyrics, including a Monday rally involving the Rev. Jesse Jackson at Rainbow/PUSH offices in Chicago.
During the interview with Philip Jackson, the Covenant pastor told of proactive efforts within his household, which also involved his two teenage daughters and his wife, Kimberlie, to counter the influence of some of the hip hop and rap negativity.
Jackson, pastor of The House Covenant on West Ogden in Chicago, says hip hop and rap music too often celebrates violence and degrades women, leading him and his family to take control and not allow the music to define them. “There’s nothing in this house about murder or derogatory images,” he tells the reporter.
Rev. Jesse Jackson is quoted as saying, “It is time for everyone to set higher standards.” Jackson has been criticized by some in the past for not speaking out more forcefully to condemn negative hip hop and rap producers at the time controversial radio host Don Imus was making headlines and was criticized by Jackson.
To listen to Monday evening’s interview, visit NBC Evening News and select the “Jesse Jackson Joins Push to Clean Up Rap” link. To learn more about Philip Jackson’s church, visit The House Covenant Church.
Editor’s note: Our thanks for this news tip goes to Covenant pastor Matt Norlen of Grace Covenant Church in Iron River, Michigan. If you see news involving Covenanters, please alert us with an email to Covenant Newsdesk.
