Why Obama is in The Source

Barack Obama needed to be on the cover of The Source. As the leading voice for the Hip-Hop generation, The Source reports upon the music, culture and politics issues relevant to all youth culture around the world. In 2008, no figure is more important to people of all backgrounds than Barack Obama, which is why The Source put the Illinois Senator on the cover of our November 2008 issue, which is on newsstands now. If elected, Obama stands poised to redirect America, getting this great country of ours back on course. As President of the United States of America, Obama would help restore the United States' place as the most respected country in the world through his policies, which are rooted in inclusiveness, dialog and an understanding of other people's perspectives. These are all characteristics that The Source also presents in its pages every month. It should also be noted that Barack used new media strategies such as interactive marketing to help VP candidate Joe Biden connect to the youth audience.

In the November 2008 issue of The Source, we also pay homage to our servicemen and women serving in our armed forces. In fact, the back cover of The Source features photographs of American soldiers serving our country in various locations across the globe. The Source also gives supporters of Arizona Senator John McCain a platform in the current issue.

On October 30, The Source will take its community activism to another level when artists and entertainment industry tastemakers join Russell Simmons and Spike Lee at a secret location in New York City for "I Am Change," a final call-to-action to encourage every person with influence to mobilize their audiences, communities and constituent bases to Get Out the Vote. Confirmed guests include Fabolous, Dr. Ben Chavis, Lil Kim, Kevin Liles, L. Londell McMillan, Rocsi, Terrence J, Malik Yoba and Lyor Cohen.

Putting Barack Obama on the cover of the November 2008 issue of The Source shows the magazine's commitment to exposing our readers to the important issues of the day. The new era of The Source is focused on relevant and important content. Hip-Hop culture can make a difference in people's lives. In fact, we just did.

Comments

[kiki8151]

This will be my first election, and I am very happy to see that a magazine I've always looked up to has Obama on their cover. I am excited to vote in such a life changing election, I want to be able to tell my kids that I saw history in the making, this election will be in history books and the fact that source put Obama on their cover will be history also.

[kiki8151]

I'm glad everyone commends The Source for having Obama on their cover, but what about the troops on the back. What do you think about the combination of both Obama and our troops on one issue? Does it make this issue more powerful?

[kiki8151]

Putting Obama on the cover of The Source was a great idea. Our youth is influenced by Source magazine, therefore having Obama on the cover may inspire our youth to go out and vote. I believe that Obama will be a great president for our country, I believe he will guide us in the right direction and provide not only for the black people, but for all races in need of help. I give The Source all respect for having Obama on the cover of their November issue, it will encourage our youth to take a second look at politics and will inspire them to take part in politics as well.

[CRubin]

I commend The Source. Not only does it say a lot for the direction of the magazine under new management but it speaks directly to the subscribers and passersby of new stands: Obama IS the news. Regardless of The Source and it's history being a hip-hop magazine, it's message is clear when Obama shows up on the cover of the November issue. It says that The Source is your source for a lot more than music.

[kiki8151]

I completely agree, The Source is and will always be our source for more than music.

[maggie morales]

what a way to make a comment on what is really important in this country. im glad they put obama on the cover. he is the only person that is truly out there to make this country a place worth living in again. with the economy how it is everyone is suffering and i am glad that The Source is taking a stand and showing the one person who is really out there to help us.

[CRubin]

HuffPost's Pick

Right on! Every time I hear Obama speak I get goosebumps. No "leader" in my generation (I'm 24) has ever motivated the urban youth like Obama. He is the bomb and by putting him on the cover of their magazine, The Source is saying something big! I'm going to start listening!

[kiki8151]

I too believe that the economy is going down and Obama will be the one to help bring it back to where it was. The country its self is in a downfall money and living expenses has become a huge problem, New York is the place where people are supposed to be able to get better jobs, now companies are laying people off because the economy is bad. I believe Obama will bring the United states back to the name of a place where you can get better jobs and live better.

[dani98]

I love the work Mr. McMillian and the new management at The Source have done with the magazine. This Obama issue is just one example of how the magazine is back to covering important topics and showing how hip hop is more than clothes and rappers. The Source is bringing back the real hip-hop-the voice of the people!!! Keep it going Source!!

[CRubin]

I agree. I think the new management is conscientious of the transformation of urban culture. Whereas before, The Source was a purely a hip hop source where content was strictly music derivatives. Now, however, The Source is truly conveying what their title means to and what they should. Be representative of a new, more aware youth who are still connected to hip hop.

[kiki8151]

Yes The Source is bringing back the voice of the people, it is targeting more issues other than clothes and music, I agree having Obama on the cover does express that The Source magazine does care about politics and other issues besides music and clothes.

[nmm285]

this cover is awesome and it is great that The Source and Mr. McMillian are taking the time to put important political issues in their magazine. It is amazing to see a man on the cover who has already changed the world with his campaign and hopefully will continue to change it with his presidency. However, it is great to see The Source covering something that all people need to be aware of. This way more people will become aware and go out an vote. Definitely a great issue!

[goodhunt]

I really hope obama wins this election because these republicans love to steel so be careful

[goodhunt]

I so agree

[goodhunt]

obama will be an excellent president for sure

[CRubin]

Everybody loves Obama. He has a following in European countries where people are already booking tickets to see Obama at his inauguration. I just hope that they continue to support him even when his decisions aren't the most popular. And I hope that all of the Obama enthusiasts will have clear judgment when (hopefully not often) Obama will have to truly fulfill the role of the typical politician.

[kiki8151]

Obama will not only be an excellent president, but he will be the best president I think country has ever had.

[goodhunt]

I thought it was a really nice picture but on the other hand i have not seen a bad picture yet.

[the light]

it's a great thing to educate our youth

[BKBlitz]

The Source is already the voice of the streets and the urban communities so it's only right for them to have such a powerful cover it's not just that it's Obama but it what it represent not just change but we as minorities are not just hip hop and clothes...Thanks Source for letting the world know that we the streets and hoods of America are not only involved in politics and world views, but we are force to be recognized!

[nmm285]

seriously it makes me proud!!!!

[BKBlitz]

ok that's what's up especially the stuff about the troops they need a lot of love a recognition!

[worldbiz]

OBAMA HAD MY VOTE FROM DAY ONE I REALLY HOPE PEOPLE GO OUT THERE AND VOTE!!!!!

[worldbiz]

THERE IS A LOT OF THINGS GOING ON OUT THERE AS FAR AS POLITICS GO THAT OUR YOUTH KNOWS NOTHING ABOUT EDUCATE !!!!!!!!!! EDUCATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! EDUCATE !!!!!!!!!!!

[BKBlitz]

Wow amazing we need to not only support change but we need to support Obama!

[kiki8151]

I agree, Obama is change and I believe he will do a lot of it once in office.