Bun B joins Occupy Houston, Occupy Wall Street spin-off [VIDEO]
Bun B Joins Occupy Houston to Advocate for Economic Justice
As the Occupy Wall Street movement sweeps across the nation. Thus, drawing support from artists like Talib Kweli, Kanye West, and Russell Simmons, Houston’s own Bun B has stepped forward to lend his voice to the cause. Joining Occupy Houston, a local spin-off of the larger movement, Bun B is using his platform to shed light on economic disparities and corporate injustices that affect countless individuals in his hometown.
Bun B is actually a native of Port Arthur, Texas, a smaller city an hour and a half outside of Houston. But, it was in H-Town, where Bun B and Pimp C made their names. Collectively, they were known as UGK. Pimp C tragically passed in December 2007. Despite the tragedy, Bun B said UGK forever lives on through him. Much has changed since C’s passing and Bun remains at the forefront. As a result, he is using his voice to amplify the Occupy Houston movement.
A Hip-Hop Icon Takes a Stand
Bun B, born Bernard Freeman, has long been recognized for his contributions to hip-hop as one-half of the legendary UGK (Underground Kingz). In addition, he’s known for his advocacy work. Also, his commitment to social justice. Bun B spoke to MTV at Houston’s City Hall during an Occupy Houston rally. There, he emphasized the importance of his presence at the movement:
“I think it’s important that Bernard Freeman be here as a citizen of the world. And I think it’s important that Bun B be here as a person of influence who has a voice that can bring attention to a cause,” he stated.
Bun B further highlighted the misconception that hip-hop artists are solely focused on wealth and extravagance. “A lot of people look at us as being these flashy, fly types of people who are just concerned with spending money, but that’s not all of us. That’s not what hip-hop is here to do,” he explained. Words like that help change the narrative surrounding hip-hop. However, many still judge.
Addressing Houston’s Economic Challenges
Occupy Houston resonates deeply with Bun B. One reason is because of the city’s unique economic history, particularly the lasting effects of the Enron collapse in 2001. Once a symbol of Houston’s booming corporate landscape, the Enron scandal left thousands jobless and destabilized the local economy.
“The effects of the Enron collapse in Houston are still felt today,” Bun B remarked. “Not everyone who had strong jobs in that sector were able to find replacements for those jobs. A lot of people had to take positions in companies to do things that they didn’t necessarily train for in order to support their families.”
This firsthand understanding of Houston’s struggles adds authenticity to Bun B’s advocacy. As he sees it, Occupy Houston is not just a movement of jobless individuals seeking handouts, as some critics have suggested. Instead, it’s a coalition of educated, skilled workers who have been systematically shut out of opportunities by corporate greed.
“The misconception about Occupy Houston is that it’s a bunch of jobless people who don’t wanna work and just want the rich to give them their money,” Bun B explained. “Well, that’s not true. The majority of these people are educated—not just high school, but they’re college graduates. Unfortunately, corporate America is not affording enough opportunities for people to go out, get jobs, and support their families.”
Why Occupy Houston Matters
Occupy Houston, like its parent movement Occupy Wall Street, seeks to address economic inequality, corporate greed, and systemic injustice. Bun B’s presence at the protests brings significant attention to these issues. Especially in a city still grappling with the ripple effects of corporate scandals like Enron’s, it’s needed.
“Instead of hiring more people, [corporations are] firing more people just to keep the numbers up,” Bun B pointed out. “A company that makes $3 billion a year, it’s still gonna function if they only make $2.8 billion a year in order to keep a couple people employed.”
This stark reality underscores the need for movements like Occupy Houston. As Bun B noted, the fight is not just about jobs—it’s about creating a more equitable society where families don’t have to sacrifice their well-being to make ends meet. So, in his mind, Houston needs someone like him to fight.
The Broader Impact of Occupy Wall Street
Occupy Houston is part of a larger movement that has inspired demonstrations across the United States. From New York City to Los Angeles, individuals from all walks of life have joined together to demand accountability from corporations and advocate for economic justice.
Bun B is not alone in his support for the movement. Other artists, including Talib Kweli and Kanye West, have also joined protests, using their platforms to amplify the voices of those who often go unheard. The involvement of prominent figures like Bun B helps legitimize the movement. In addition, they help bring its message to a wider audience.
A Call to Action
For Bun B, joining Occupy Houston is not just about lending his name to a cause—it’s about taking an active role in the fight for justice. As he explained, his dual identity as Bernard Freeman and Bun B allows him to connect with both everyday citizens and fans of hip-hop. Therefore, bridging the gap between two worlds.
“I understand how real this world is and how real things can get, and that’s what Occupy Houston is about,” he said. “It’s not about what we do on the clock—it’s about being off the clock and supporting people who can’t even get on the clock right now.”
Conclusion
Bun B’s involvement in Occupy Houston is a powerful reminder of the impact that artists and influencers can have when they use their platforms for good. By standing alongside the people of Houston, Bun B is helping to draw attention to the systemic issues that have plagued the city since the Enron collapse and beyond.
As Occupy Houston continues to grow, the movement serves as a beacon of hope for those who have been left behind by corporate America. Advocates like Bun B are leading the charge. So, the fight for economic justice is gaining momentum, one voice at a time. Now, the people hope for change.