Hip-hop DJs spin to the choir at Obama event in West Oak Lane

Two days after the Democratic National Convention ended, the President’s re-election campaign drew supporters to a West Oak Lane shopping center for a “DJ’s For Obama Block Party” on Saturday afternoon.

A slew of locals turned out to hear local hip hop DJ’s including DJ Damage, DJ Active and Power 99FM DJ/TV host DJ Diamond Kuts.

 “This is the official DJ’s For Obama kick-off to election day,” state Rep. Dwight Evans announced at around 3 p.m.

“We are less than two months away from making history again,” he continued. “Not only do we have to go door-to-door, participate in phone banking and spread information about voter ID, we also have to get creative and bring in events like this to the community.”

An effort to have artists nationwide motivate their audiences, the first-of-its-kind event was hosted locally by Organizing For America-PA, the African American Student League at LaSalle University and Evans’ office.

Supporters speak

Sporting a Michelle Obama pin, Organizing For America-PA volunteer Elizabeth Coates said she is continuing an effort which started in 2008.

“President Obama’s work over the last four years has shown us that he cares about those in need,” she said. “Although he lacks support from the other party, I believe when re-elected, he will continue to make a difference.”

La Salle University sophomores Shelly Kodua and Deeana Compton will be first-time voters in November. They said they support the incumbent’s commitment to make education more affordable.

“It’s a struggle to pay for school, Compton said. “With President Obama’s education plan, I know that we will continue to get help with our tuition.”

The scene

Originally scheduled to end at 6 p.m., the block party was cut short by an hour because of an incoming storm. As the rain started to fall, attendees stood by in hopes of the rain subsiding but that was not to be.

“Unfortunately the rain has brought this block party to an end,” DJ Diamond Cuts announced. “The event was not about me or the other DJ’s who came here today. It was created to give more support to the Obama campaign. There will be more DJs For Obama events throughout the city.”

Local campaign spokeswoman Devora Kaye concurred.

“The members of ‘DJs for Obama’ all have unique reasons for supporting the President and are working to spread the word about what’s at stake in this election,” Kaye said. “As we saw at today’s DJs event, young and old people alike are excited to vote for President Obama this year because they recognize what the President has done for middle-class families and communities across the country.”