NEW YORK (FinalCall.com)�Russell Simmons, organizer of the recent Hip Hop Summit that took place in New York City, announced in a press release the formation of the Hip Hop Summit Action Network (HHSAN).

According to Mr. Simmons, the new organization is dedicated to implementing the initiatives that came out of the summit.

The initiatives include Parental Advisory Labeling for CDs and subsequent marketing and advertising, and plans for a hip hop mentoring program and hip hop artists becoming more involved in the political arena.

A Political Action Committee has been formed, which will call itself the Nu America PAC.

According to the press release, the purpose of PAC will be to promote the political empowerment of the hip hop community and to provide political contributions to candidates who take a strong stance on freedom of speech and are supportive of political issues affecting the hip hop community.

The HHSAN will appear at the Congressional Black Caucus Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., on September 27 to discuss how the hip hop community will be mobilizing for the 2002 elections. Russell Simmons recently testified at a hearing convened by Sen. Joe Lieberman (D-Conn.), in Washington to discuss how hip hop is policing itself.

Mr. Simmons also announced that his new organization will be headquartered in New York City within the offices of The Source magazine, with field offices in Washington and Los Angeles. Nation of Islam Minister Benjamin Muhammad has been appointed executive director of HHSAN. Mr. Muhammad was the executive producer of the Hip Hop Summit. In addition, the Hip Hop Summit Action Network announced the formation of its board, which will include Russell Simmons, Rev. Al Sharpton, Sean "P-Diddy" Combs, Dave Mays, Def Jam President Kevin Liles, Motown President Kedar Massenburg, Loud Records CEO Steve Rifkind and Interscope/Geffen A&M Executive Vice President Steve Stoute. "The hip hop community has been incredibly receptive to our attempt to organize and mobilize their efforts toward making young peoples� concerns a priority in Washington and in U.S. government," Mr. Simmons said. "We�re very excited and we are sure their input will help to shape a better America," he added. According to a press release, there will be hip hop summits in Los Angeles and Miami.