January 06, 2004
Russell Simmons, Politics and Yoga
Tight piece, and perfect timing since I'm in the middle of writing another post about hip-hop and politics:
Compa$$ionate Capitali$m
Russell $immons wants to fatten the hip-hop vote—and maybe his wallet, too
...Simmons has spent his life enumerating the ways that hip-hop's energy can be converted into dollars. Now he's trying to convert that energy into a social movement capable of reinvigorating the slumbering black left. A kingmaker in the making, Simmons has given money to all the presidential candidates except John Edwards and Joe Lieberman. While he is a nominal supporter of Al Sharpton, he confesses an affinity for Howard Dean. It's hard to think of a better ally for the governor of ivory-white Vermont than young black America's most formidable potentate. At 45, Simmons is the patriarch of a generation that couldn't pick Julian Bond out of a police lineup.
But for Simmons, the road from Wall Street to K Street has proven to be a slow one-laner fraught with potholes—hard going for a guy who has always lived like a Jaguar speeding down the autobahn. The goals of HSAN are far-reaching and wide-eyed with ambition. The only in-house organizing experience belongs to Chavis, who's as respected for organizing the Million Man March as he is derided for driving the NAACP into debt.
Simmons's value as an activist hasn't yet been proved. After all, hip-hop's idea of social justice seems to begin with the unabridged right to bling. But his approach isn't without merit: If the people care only about Bennifer, then let's bring Bennifer—not Lil Flip's big brother—and hope the people will follow...
Posted by jsmooth995 at January 6, 2004 05:58 PM
Posted by: brianna at January 13, 2004 06:08 PM
Posted by: brianna at January 13, 2004 06:08 PM
I am a 61 year old Black woman who spent many years in my city working with our young people to get them to understand what that heritage is. Their legacy and what we fought for during the 50's. How can my city get more information regarding your goals? I live in Kalamazoo, MI, 200 miles from Detroit and the same from Chicago. Luther Vandross attented our largest college here, Western Michigan University.
I am disabled, but I can use my computer and the contacts I have in Kalamazoo, including our Mayor whose campaign I worked on as his secretary and he is still our mayor for three terms. He is black and from Mississippi and he still works to help our community.
May God bless you all in your good works.
Ikalean Wilkerson
Posted by: Ikalean Wilkerson at January 14, 2004 11:21 PM
Hello Russell,
I know you don't know me from Adam. I'm a black businessman in need of financial resources that i can tap into. I've only been in business since June 2003. I own a Dollar Retail Store on the brink of bankruptcy. I'm in dire need of investment dollars. I figured with all of you contacts that you might be willing to help me tap into some black investment dollars. I know this sounds off the wall but this is how deperate I am. I don't want to loose my very first business. Anything you or you contacts can do to help another black independent minority businessman would be greatly appreicated.
My personal information:
Mr. Ricky Gildon
DBA $1 Mart
9768 S. Dampler Way
Highlands Ranch, CO 80130
Sincerly Yours,
Ricky
Posted by: Ricky at February 6, 2004 08:14 PM
Mr. Ricky Gildon isn't very smart posting personal information in a public forum.
Posted by: nitro at March 22, 2004 01:27 PM
TELL RUSSELL TO CONTACT ME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE FOR I AM THE LAMB THE ANOINTED ONE THE MESSIAH IN THIS FINAL HOUR OF A 2004 YR DAY OF MY FATHER!
Posted by: TITUS at March 26, 2004 02:43 AM
Russel,
It was just 18 years ago that you met my mother, Charise, at a trailer convention in Ohio. According to her, you both fell in love, if only for 15 minutes, and the product of that love was me. However, I am doubtful that someone as famous as you could have fathered someone as Oriental as me. Please email me so that I give you my adress, to which you can post 1 medium tub of semen for purposes of a paternitiy test/making me a baby sister...
yours offspringly
Lok Ting Lau
Posted by: Gerald Simmons at March 27, 2004 10:43 AM
Russell Simmons if your here. i will find you. Only because i think that you and i have the same ideas. Something must be done to keep black money inside black fists. Only i think there is a problem, because your bottom line is money. and that will not put black people into the dominant america genre. We will be seen a s just another greedy negro that would sell his own brother to make sure he could buy a new escalade. Mr. simmons what you need to think is lower. And i want to help. I want to show the caucasian barbarians just how unworthy they are to wear our clothes. The white man has no right to tell the black man how he should succeed. For all of the white mans conquests were brought about by using the congeniality and acceptance that all other races save the white man, inherently possess. I call upon you Russell Simmons because of all other the leaders of the hip hop world only you seem to truly understand just how the white has systematically been trying to undermine the black race. For all those who call me a racist, i reply you might be right. If racist is what i am called because i no longer think that "in the end it will all work out" then racist i am. Russell Simmons we can change the face of this country if only you allow me to help you. You have the resources yet unfortunately those under you lack the skill to persuade and promote the changes you dream about.
Posted by: Bryan at March 31, 2004 02:03 PM
IAM A UGANDAN MALE AGED 18 LOOKING FOR A SPORSOR WHO CAN HELP ME FINISH MY EDUCATON. IAM NOW IN SENIOR FIVE BUT I HAVE FAILED TO COMPLETE IT DUE TO FINACIAL PROBLEM.I LOST MY PARENTS IN 1994,THEY WERE VICTIMS OF AIDS AFTER THEIR DEATH I LOST MY IN HERITANCE TO MY UNCLES SO SINCE THEN I HAVE BEEN LIVING WITH MY LATE MATHER"S FRIEND BUT NOW SHE SAYS SHE CANOT PAY MY FEES BECAUSE SHE TOO HAS HER OWN CHILDREN. SO IKINDLY REQUEST ANY ONE WHO CAN HELP FINISH MY EDUCATON HERE IN UGANDA WIH AT LIST 300$ PER SEMISTER. MY SCHOOL ADRESS IS MAKERERE HIGH SCHOOL P.O BOX 1025 KAMPALA,UGANDA. EMAIL:talyxson@yahoo.com
Posted by: GUNAYAKA NOAH at May 14, 2004 02:54 PM
HELLO MR. SIMMONS I HAVE A SON THATS 10YRS VERY TALENTED ON THE PIANO AND I NEED HELP WITH GETTING HIM STARTED HES NEVER TAKEN MUSIC LESSONS AND HE CAN PLAY MOZART AND MANY OTHERS FROM WHICH I'M NOT SURE IF THEY ARE RECORDED SONGS ALREADY PLEASE HELP ME HES VERY GOOD
Posted by: JESENIA VIZCAINO at June 13, 2004 10:19 AM
Mr. Simmons I just your interview on "Speaking Freely" and what you said about poverty is so true. The US has dumped millions/billions in "that" war but in the city where I live they can't afford to keep soap and toilet paper in the city schools bathrooms. Poverty and our racist society have prevented me from fulfilling what every parent want to offer their children -- a decent education where they are safe from hurt harm and danger. My purpose today is seek employment with one of your companies! Please respond back in order for me to gain my self worth!!!!!!!!
Posted by: self worth at June 13, 2004 12:37 PM
Mr. Simmons,
I won't take up much of your time, so here goes. I live in a rual town called Pantego, N.C. My brothers (3) who were all in the Army, retired and came back home to make a difference. Well, they acquired this property which is in the city limits. The Whites are trying to destroy them and take the land back. You see, the property is where the first white school was on. I was thinking that you could take a look at the property and see if anything you could help them do. It's almost six acres of land. Any help or advice would be appreciated. Thanks for listening. Continue your good work and may God continue to bless you so you can bless others. Thank you.
Marjie
Posted by: Marjie at September 20, 2004 10:36 PM
Born, grown and reside in Kingston, Jamaica. I 'rate' Russell Simmons for much more than his monetary success, but for his dedication to spirituality and his quest to help make this work a better place. I'm a writer (journalist/poet) and also respect him for bringing the arts to mainstream. I may never meet him, but wish I could... Just to feel the vibe, get some inspiration. But, inspiration from afar is still cool - still glad he's there as a role model to young blacks the world over. Respect Russell.
Posted by: Leslie at September 22, 2004 10:39 AM
Mr. Simmons,
I know what I am about say is probably something you have heard several times, but here I go. My name is Nate and I am 23yrs old and always wanted to start my own business. The idea is usually the easiest part and the hardest part is always the financials. I don't have good credit, so I know that I cannot receive a loan. With the contacts you know, do you know if they award grants or scholarships to aspiring small business owners? If you have any information or insight that would help my situation it will be greatly appreciated.
God Bless,
Nate
Posted by: Nate at October 13, 2004 10:47 PM
Up to 5 Rooms FREE, FREE Standard Installation, FREE Shipping, FREE Choice of DVD Player, Digital Camera or Luggage/Backpack, FREE HBO and Cinemax for 3 Months, the best freeking deal on the planet
Posted by: direct tv at November 5, 2004 11:00 AM
Puppet, Marionet, Marionnette, Fantoche, Marioneta
Posted by: Puppets at November 6, 2004 07:27 PM
Mr. Russell Simmons,
My name is Benjamin(Bennie) and I am a well rounded guy. I am basically trying to get myself out in the entertainment world but I don't know how to go about doing it. The one thing I would love most is to receive some knowledge that can help. I've started to produce music recently, I sing and write songs, and I am a designer of clothes and jewelry. I am told time after time that I need to do something with my talent but I need to know what qualifications will I need to pursue my career. My designs and music are like no other and will sell very well no doubt about. I know that I can get government grants to move forward but if I don't know how to run my business and how to be a better music producer than I will not stand a chance against the competition out there. I know there is more to being a music producer than just making music. If you have any information that can help me out, please send it to me. Thanks!!
Posted by: Benjamin Sedgwick at November 9, 2004 10:37 AM
Posted by: igor at November 12, 2004 12:56 PM
Knitting bag, Knitting, knit, knitter's, Knitting purse, bag, tote, carryall, knitter
Posted by: the Knitter at November 15, 2004 09:57 PM
Knitting bag, Knitting, knit, knitter's, Knitting purse
Posted by: knitting bags at November 17, 2004 03:54 PM
Posted by: Kunda at November 30, 2004 04:28 AM
Hi Mr.Simmons. I am a tenth grade student at Wilde Lake High School. I am currently working on a career research project in my english class. For our career field, we each had to choose an influential person, so I chose you. When I graduate college, I want to be an entrpreneur and maybe even a singer. I specifically want to have my own clothing line like you. One of our sources for the project has to be an interview with the influential person in our career field. I would appreciate if you could answer the following questions as soon as possible. Your answers will be very useful for my project.
1.) Do you feel productive or that you have accomplished something everyday?
2.) What factors do you feel got you to where you are today?
3.) Is it possible to be financially set for life from this career?
4.) If you are a shy person, what do you think a person should do to overcome being shy?
5.) How did you come up with the name for your clothing line?
6.) What classes would you recommend in preparation of this career?
7.) Do you feel that you have enough free time with your family?
8.) What does a typical work day consist of?
Once again, thank you for answering these questions for me!
Sincerely, Barika
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