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. 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.
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. The segment captures Smith-Harris protesting for Breonna Taylor, prison reform, and Black Lives Matter.
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. Smith-Harris explains her involvement in Rebels With A Cause. “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,” she says. “Until you decide to prosecute those officers who murdered her, we are going to continue to disrupt your life.”
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.
Executive Producer and Creator P. Frank Williams explains why it was important to tell Smith-Harris’ story. “Our new series produced in conjunction with BET Digital / Viacom examines how social activism is being done by untraditional people,” says Williams. “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 becoming 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.
