“Los Angeles-based recording artist, “BIKBAYE”, returns home to the west side of Chicago to spread a positive message to the community.”

 

(Chicago) Los Angeles based recording artist Bikbaye, founder of the Conscious Youth Global Network (Movement), returns home to spread a positive message to the West Side of Chicago.

Bikbaye Inejnema, aka Cortney Scott, has released a groundbreaking new single called “Checkin In”, which will debut on all social media channels beginning Saturday, February 23, 2019. The message of “Checkin In”, is a collaboration between Bikbaye and female Hip/Hop artist Sepka aka Sepkanitah, who is a native of Long Island, New York.

Both artists created the song to spread a message of community and healing in their respective cities. Chicago’s North Lawndale community where Bikbaye was raised has been plagued by decades of crime, health disparities and unemployment since the riots after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King resided in North Lawndale in the 1960’s. A disproportionate amount of vacant lots still remain today throughout North Lawndale that has not been developed since.

“Since I was a little boy, I’ve always loved the neighborhood I called home,” said Bikbaye Inejnema. “I’ve had the opportunity to travel the world and never forgot where I came from. I’m hoping this video will once again spark enthusiasm with current and former residents to contact the proper authorities in the community who can assist in the development of a program that will allow residents to become empowered through ownership of the vacant lots and abandoned buildings which plagues the North Lawndale. This would put us on the path of revitalizing and beautifying our neighborhoods,” said Bikbaye.

Often referenced by the media as an urban ghetto, or a largely poor, crime-ridden area of the city, the West Side has gone through many transitions in its ethnic and socioeconomic makeup due to its historic role as a gateway for immigrants and migrants as well as its role for funneling poorer residents away from the wealthier Chicago neighborhoods and central business district.

“I am motivated and commend ‘Chance The Rapper,’ who has worked passionately to invest time and resources in the South Side of Chicago and I hope to bring the same enthusiasm to the West Side, with the proper support.”

Bikbaye hopes to set up meetings with city officials to share his vision of revitalizing and healing North Lawndale through community dialogue, creating partnerships and youth mentoring initiatives, like the Consious Youth Global Movement (CYGM).

“Checkin In” song available at: https://itunes.apple.com/album/id/1450958750

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Conscious-Youth-Global-Movement-406333080179236/