New single features Young RJ (of Slum Village), Ras Kass, Nkechi Taifa, Kymrence Young, and BLIS Co-founder and Guest Rapper Trevor ‘Tricky Trev’ Smith.
FirstRepair and the BLIS Collective are proud to announce the release of their latest cultural organizing anthem, “Agitate, Educate, Organize (AEO),” with a premiere performance at the Fourth Annual National Symposium for State and Local Reparations held in Evanston, IL.
This inspiring single features an extraordinary lineup of artists and activists, including Young RJ (of Slum Village), Ras Kass, Nkechi Taifa, Kymrence Young, and BLIS co-founder and guest rapper Trevor ‘Tricky Trev’ Smith.
The groundbreaking track amplifies the call to action for communities nationwide to mobilize around reparations and transformative justice. Combining evocative lyrics with dynamic production, “AEO” is a rallying cry for all committed to agitating, educating, and organizing for change.
FirstRepair — founded and led by Robin Rue Simmons, a pioneer in local reparations advocacy — has commissioned a series of musical tracks, as a universal language, call to action, and a lyrical white paper to advance the centuries-old reparations movement. This collaboration with BLIS demonstrates how art and activism intersect to inspire solidarity and action.
“Music has always been a powerful medium to uplift justice movements,” said Robin Rue Simmons, Executive Director of FirstRepair. “Agitate, Educate, Organize’ channels the energy and urgency of this pivotal moment in the reparations movement. It’s a call to action that transcends generations and boundaries, reminding us that change begins with people power.”
For BLIS, the collaboration represents the intersection of cultural production and coalition-building. “This song embodies the spirit of our work at BLIS — braiding narratives and growing movements,” said Trevor Smith, co-founder of BLIS and featured artist “Tricky Trev.” “Through music, we’re not just telling stories—we’re sparking movements and inspiring action. “AEO” is more than a song; it’s a movement soundtrack.”
Civil rights attorney, author, founder of Reparation Education Project, and longtime reparations advocate Nkechi Taifa also shared why she has long used “Agitate, Educate, Organize” as a rallying cry: “This phrase is deeply rooted in the Black nationalist movements that paved the way for where we stand today. I’ve been profoundly inspired by the legacies of elders like Queen Mother Moore, whose tireless fight for reparations reminds us of the power of perseverance and vision. We are at a defining moment—an era where we can give birth to a new chapter in reparations advocacy, where creativity, culture, and activism converge to energize this movement like never before.”
Reflecting on his experience producing the track, acclaimed artist Ras Kass shared, “Producing ‘Agitate, Educate, Organize’ was more than a creative process—it was an honor. Music is one of the most powerful tools we have to spark change, and this track is a testament to that. To craft something for the reparations movement, where the stakes are so high and the need for action so urgent, was humbling. It’s my hope that this song inspires people to take the next step, whatever that looks like for them, to push this movement forward.”
The single’s visual artistry also plays a pivotal role in conveying its message. The album cover, designed by Amarie Baker, Narrative Illustrator and Creative Strategist at the BLIS Collective, incorporates vibrant and intentional symbolism. “The sunburst and silhouettes embody the unwavering resilience and strength of Black and Indigenous communities,” said Baker. “The layered textures and bold, vibrant colors reflect the rich complexity of our stories, while serving as a powerful testament to our hope, perseverance, and vision for the future.”
Set against the backdrop of the Fourth Annual National Symposium for State and Local Reparations, this release underscores the growing momentum behind the reparations movement. Held in Evanston, Illinois, the Symposium continues to serve as a national hub for local reparations policy discussions, uniting thought leaders, activists, and community members in the fight for justice.
“AEO” will be available on all major streaming platforms starting Thursday, December 5th, 2024.
Join the Movement:
For more information about the release, FirstRepair, BLIS Collective, and the Fourth Annual Local Reparations Symposium, visit FirstRepair and BLIS Collective’s websites.
About FirstRepair
FirstRepair seeks a just society where Black people are liberated, thriving, and repaired through a robust and sustainable movement for state and local reparations. We work nationally to educate and equip leaders, stakeholders, and allies who are advancing local reparations policies that remedy historic and ongoing anti-Black practices.
About BLIS Collective
The BLIS Collective is a Solidarity and Action Hub that braids narratives and grows movements. It sparks radical collaboration and narrative alignment between and within Black, Indigenous, and transformative social movements to repair, decolonize, and reshape culture.
Media Contact: info@firstrepair.org
