Fight the Power ✊🏽: How Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett is Shaking Up Politics
From Public Enemy’s Anthem to Capitol Hill, the Spirit of Resistance Lives On
1989 the number/ another summer (get down)
Sound of the funky drummer
Music hitting your heart 'cause I know you got soul
(Brothers and sisters, hey)
Hip Hop has always been more than just music—it’s a movement, a voice for the people, and a mirror reflecting the times. When Public Enemy unleashed Fight the Power in the Summer of 1989 on Spike Lee’s Do The Right Thing Soundtrack, it wasn’t just a track; it was an anthem for change. I’m not gonna lie…I was in 6th grade when that hit the airwaves. But I watched Rosie Perez’s dance routine in the intro over and over again, and it made me even more curious about the song behind it. When Spike Lee put those boxing gloves on her, he was iconic in the symbolism that embodied the essence of the fight, and also to me…that a woman can lead the charge.
My older sister, who was in high school, put me on to the revolutionary wave that Hip Hop was riding back then. I was intrigued with songs like Self Destruction and We’re All in the Same Gang.
I wanted one of those African medallions everybody rocked with pride, and I could feel something shifting in the atmosphere. When Public Enemy dropped Fight the Power, Chuck D and Flavor Flav weren’t just rapping—they were rallying the people, demanding that Black voices be acknowledged and respected. And that message? It’s just as crucial now as it was back then.
Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett: A New Face of The Fight
Fast forward to today…can we take a moment to salute my girl, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett? Every move she makes in politics literally embodies the fearless attitude in this song, and she is doing exactly that…fighting the powers that be. This Texas powerhouse is all up in Capitol Hill—straight up “shaking the table” like K. Michelle once said. And let’s be real, the “good ol’ boys” in Washington? They’re not ready for her.
Got to give us what we want
Gotta give us what we need
Our freedom of speech is freedom or death
We got to fight the powers that be
Crockett is the definition of “fighting the power.” She’s in Washington battling the ghosts of antiquated policies and calling out political injustice. Much like Public Enemy exposed the corruption of their time, Crockett is confronting the lasting impact of regressive policies that continue to weigh down marginalized communities. She’s been loud and clear about protecting voting rights, pushing back against extreme conservative agendas, and advocating for economic justice.
In a recent congressional session, she went toe-to-toe with Republican lawmakers, refusing to let them get away with hypocrisy. Her delivery? Bold, passionate, and straight to the point. She’s not here to play political games; she’s here to demand accountability. Whether she’s pushing against voter suppression tactics or resisting Trump-aligned policies that hurt working-class people, Crockett is making one thing clear: she’s here to disrupt the status quo.
The 43-year-old congresswoman made headlines yet again after a heated exchange with Republican Rep. Nancy Mace over an amendment to reinstate the House Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties. Mace even escalated the tension, threatening to take things “outside.” But despite constant clashes with Republicans, Crockett remains unfazed—if anything, she thrives in the fire.
No one could forget when Representative Marjorie Taylor Green tried to attack her physical appearance…saying Crockett’s “fake eyelashes” were getting in the way of her reading and understanding the point...but she messed around and found out when her unforgettable comeback “bad built butch body”, went viral. She’s built a reputation for her fiery responses in congressional hearings and her refusal to back down from opposition. She’s not starting the fight…but she’s not afraid to finish it. As the saying goes…don’t start none…won’t be none.
The Intersection of Hip Hop and Politics
Hip Hop and politics? They’ve always been connected. The same resistance that powered Fight the Power fuels leaders like Crockett today. Both Hip Hop and progressive politics serve the same purpose—challenging oppression and uplifting the people. The only real difference is the stage—some use lyrics, others use legislation.
Public Enemy’s impact has lasted for decades because they stood for something greater than themselves. In the same way, artists today have a voice and a platform to challenge injustice, speak truth, and ignite change—just like Crockett is doing in the political arena.
Keep That Same Energy
The fight continues. Whether through music or policy, resistance is essential. Public Enemy paved the way with their fearless lyrics, and leaders like Representative Jasmine Crockett are carrying the torch in government. So if you’re an artist, an entrepreneur, or just someone trying to shake things up, take a page from their book: Speak up, stand firm, and always fight the power…unapologetically! Do your thing Jasmine, we’re rallying behind you!
This is an awesome article. I love PE and Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett's fight!
Black Privilege and The Commoditization of Drill Music https://torrancestephensphd.substack.com/p/black-privilege-and-the-commoditization