Culture

Yandy Smith-Harris Discusses Police Reform & Activism in New BET Docuseries ‘Rebels With A Cause’

New BET Digital docu-series Rebels With A Cause, executive produced and created by Emmy Award winner P. Frank Williams, profiles courageous, game-changing, out-of-the-box activists. Debuting a new episode each Wednesday, the four-week special kicks-off with Love & Hip Hop: New York star and savvy music exec Yandy Smith-Harris.

While Smith-Harris achieved notoriety as a creator and cast member of Love & Hip Hop: New York who has managed hip hop icons Missy Elliott, 50 Cent, and Busta Rhymes, Rebels With A Cause tells the story of her selfless work in social justice.

Smith-Harris’ segment captures her protesting for Breonna Taylor, prison reform, and Black Lives Matter. Subsequent webisodes feature Houston’s hip hop legend Trae Tha Truth, Raheem police reporting network founder Brandon D. Anderson, and social justice journalist Shar Bates.

Smith-Harris was one of more than 80 demonstrators who were arrested in July after gathering at the home of Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron who supported his state’s grand jury’s decision to not charge the police officers who killed Breonna Taylor.

“Me going on Daniel Cameron’s lawn was so important to disrupt his life so that he understood that we are going to make sure that she gets justice,” Smith-Harris said. “Until you decide to prosecute those officers who murdered her, we are going to continue to disrupt your life.”

Yandy Smith-Harris

The Harlem native’s mother, husband, and activism advocate Tamika Mallory share stories of Smith-Harris’ work during the special that also highlights her attendance at the prestigious Howard University.

“Our new series produced in conjunction with BET Digital / Viacom examines how social activism is being done by untraditional people,” Executive Producer and Creator P. Frank Williams said.

“Yandy Smith-Harris from VH1’s Love and Hip Hop, Houston rapper Trae Tha Truth, anti-police violence advocate Brandon Anderson and BET’s Copwatch America star Shar Bates all took different routes to become key activists in their city. Prophet From It Entertainment is excited to profile them and showcase all the important work they are doing all over the country.”

The Emmy and 8-time NAACP Image Award-winning producer’s other recent works include TV One’s Unsung Presents: Music & The Movement and a forthcoming hip hop game show for Viacom.

William Carter

Recent Posts

Sheryl Lee Ralph’s DIVAS Simply Singing! Marks 35 Years with Jenifer Lewis, Loretta Devine, Andra Day & More

A legacy of art and activism continues as Emmy® Award-winning and Tony®-nominated actress and advocate…

1 week ago

Summer Dennis Brings Soul, Charisma, and Healing Energy to The Kennedy Center

Watching Summer Dennis perform at The Kennedy Center was a breath of fresh air, creating…

2 weeks ago

Multi-Award-Winning Music Legend D’Angelo Passes Away at 51

D’Angelo, the Grammy-winning singer, songwriter and producer who helped define the neo-soul movement of the…

2 weeks ago

‘Real Housewives of Potomac’: Wendy Osefo and Husband Arrested and Charged After Alleged False Burglary Report

Real Housewives of Potomac castmate Wendy Osefo and her husband, Edward Osefo, have been arrested…

2 weeks ago

Destin Conrad Brings Love, Vulnerability and Soul to The Fillmore Silver Spring

On Sunday, Destin Conrad turned The Fillmore Silver Spring into a space full of love,…

2 weeks ago

#NewMusic: Tweet Unlocks the Vault With Single ‘Toot Toot’ Ahead of Upcoming Album

R&B songstress and multi-award-winning platinum artist, Tweet, returns to the music scene with her new…

2 weeks ago