some food for thought y'all:

www.allhiphop.com/editorial/?ID=132

Russell Simmons: A New Black Leader?
By Amadi Ajamu

The emergence of Hip Hop entrepreneur Russell Simmons as an establishment-endorsed political leader of the new generation of Blacks gives me pause. Being a member of this new generation, I think this should be put on the table for discussion.

Why have mainstream media's political pundits given Russell Simmons an open mic? He's a guest on Charlie Rose; he's become a constant feature in the New York Times, Newsweek Magazine and many other newspapers and magazine across the country. Hailed as among the one hundred most influential African Americans by Crain Magazine, can helicopter to Albany for private meetings with New York Governor George Pataki on the Rockefeller drug laws. He has organized fundraisers for senators Hillary Clinton and Charles Schumer, works closely with former HUD Secretary Andrew Cuomo, teams up with democratic presidential candidate Al Sharpton to register new voters, and dines with Shimon Peres, Israel's former Prime Minister discussing a possible Middle East youth summit.

Either the king makers have peeped Simmons' ability to use his influence over urban youth as leverage in his business and political ventures and they want to control him, or the severity of the US economic recession deems it time to send in the clowns.

Russell Simmons and his Hip Hop Summit Action Network have orchestrated several very high profile, massive political rallies in New York City, using his connections in the entertainment industry to get mega-stars like P. Diddy, Mariah Carey, 50 cent, LL Cool J, Jay Z and Alicia Keys to attend and draw thousands of Black youth. But it was painfully clear that the majority of youth in attendance were more interested in getting a glimpse of their favorite rap artist than in the city budget cuts in education or draconian drug sentencing laws that send many of our peers to prison for decades. Simmons and his star-studded entourage put on a good show but have yet to present a clear political program of action and vision for Black people.


< < edited by Destee > >

Simmons' rebirth as a political activist is entirely manufactured. Wrapped in stylish Hip Hop packaging, displayed on top shelf media outlets, and presented to the new generation of consumers as the new and improved Black leader. He is a product of corporate America, and we shouldn't buy it.


...i agree with u ....

Pharaoh Jah ... thanks for sharing this article, but unless the owner gives permission for it to be posted here, it can't be here. This is one of our own Forum Rules (http://www.destee.com/forums/rules.php). It's good that you provided a link to it, as it allows the Family to go to the source because i'm going to edit your post, removing the majority of the article. I will leave a few lines of it, but without permission, all of it cannot remain.

:heart:

Destee

he is one of america finest of brotherhood
thanks for sharing and the link

(1) Russell Simmons is establishement endorsed. He made it clear several years ago that he realized the impact he had on young black youth by the role he played in hip hop and what kind of music he allowed to see airplay. he realized as a mature adult that it was equally important to empower poor youth, but also important to recognize that the money is now driving the message and there is a lopsided presentation of negative images. (or as Slick Rick said on a Def Jam recording, "ok we all sold drugs, we all know death, we all want money - what else you got to talk about?")

(2) Russell did what every capitalist turned politician does - he threw money around and used friends of friends to make his message clear "somebody is going to listen to me because i am rich and powerful damnit." and they did. luckily for us his work has been pretty positive up to this point.

(3) Russell also funds, not supports, FUNDS young black entreprenuerial programs as well. He is developing a comprehensive plan of action of how he, using all that testoterone rap money can make a positive impact. for once i, the eternal conspiracy theorist see a geniune effort on a rich man's part.

(4)Speaking of wealth. Its ironic that everyone wants, no one thinks anyone that has it is righteous, but that if "they" had "they would do right by it." very ironic. Just because Russell is rich and white folks are closing doors in his face doesnt mean his message isnt sincere. He is playing the game and well. And in the near future you may benefit from it.

Lastly i am glad to see you write "a black leader" and not "the black leader" - which would naive at best. Russell is "a black leader" for sure. whether we hate him before he does his best work is yet to be seen.

i agree he is a awesome brutha the best yet to come indeed

I saw his recent appearance on Charlie Rose, and I must say I was impressed by his intelligence. He seemed politically aware, and I agreed with most of what he said.

The article does raise some interesting questions though.

I definitely do not have a problem with Russell being a Hip-Hop spokesman, which he could do better than anyone.

He has actual been on Charlie Rose several times. I remember seeing him on the show years ago with KRS-One. I have always loved KRS's music, but on that day he was an intellectual embarrassment. Good thing Russell was there to give the discussion some semblance of good old fashion common sense.

I hate to rain on the "Russell Simmons" parade but I'm not impressed. For someone who appears to work so diligently on
issues effecting "black people"..........Let's reflect.

And while I respect Mr. Simmons for his accomplishments...

First, On national televison (BET of all stations) he referred to "Tavist Smiley" an equally renowned and respected black journalist as (and I quote) "America's favorite House *****".............It still makes me angry to think about it.
I never really viewed him the same way, after this.

Second, why is he married to an Asian woman, no matter how
accomplished..........and believe me I'm not hating but "Why"?
Someone, please tell me why, if your soooooooooo into black
america, you marry an "Asian" and give all your little half black
children "Asian" names.

Now I have nothing against interacial relationships, or diversity
However, when you are a public figure.......there are certain
responsiblities that come along with it........especially if your
a black male........personally I think Russell is another reflection
of many unresolved issues between black men and women
and accomplished "Black Men"...............Why do they always feel
they must leave us (black women) behind?

He's also in my opinion, is a very unpolished speaker.........let him stay in the HipHop arena where it doesn't matter and everyone,
overlooks his imperfections because of the "green" that exudes
from his skin.
Politics, I could think of someone better.

Keep talking Justerika, who do you think would be better?

I hate to interrupt the dialogue………but this thread caught my attention
and I’d like to make a suggestion of a somewhat ideal
person.

How about Earvin “Magic Johnson”

“Business Savvy – Socially Conscious – Effective Community
Efforts – Successful in his endeavors…he doesn’t just talk about
them………..he has shown and proved.”

Such as… Social responsibility… meaning he has given back to our
community. He not only is creating a business legacy but
Johnson's has a legacy of charitable and community
activities. In 1991, he founded the Magic Johnson Foundation,
a non-profit organization which directs its efforts toward the
health, educational, and social needs of inner city youth –
completely on point with this one!!!!

You can also see the effects of his work with organizations as the
Muscular Dystrophy Association, the Starlight Foundation,
American Heart Association and the Urban League.
He has helped raise over $10 million for the United Negro College
Fund with the “A Midsummer Night's Magic" weekend charity
event.

Also, we can’t ignore his efforts in HIV/AIDS education, since he
shocked the world announcing that he had contracted the HIV
virus ten years ago. He has shown to all of us that adversity or
any problem can be fought and defeated with determination and
perseverance.

He bravely became the voice and face of HIV/AIDS sufferers all
over the world. He exposed to all of us the problem of HIV/AIDS
all over the world. He also invested his time and money and
became some what of a spokesman for the people, the
communities and for the organizations that are in the forefront
on the fight against this disease. Mr. Johnson’s contribution to
the issue of HIV/AIDS education is quite impressive.

Also, if I might add to something to Justerika’s views on the
importance of Black Family Magic is a Black man, with a “Beautiful
& Strong Black Woman by his side”…….and quite naturally black
children. “The circle complete”. He doesn’t just appear to be ideal
and he doesn’t just preach it but he lives it…

On top of all this, people love him and his charisma! - No contraversy with Tavist Smiley - (just kidding)

Pharoh Jah, please let me know your thoughts…….you too, Just E.

I knew somebody was going bring up his wife being half black and japanese. Who cares? What's important is that he cares about his community. Hell Quincy Jones never had a black woman in his life. One of the reasons is that he did'nt view women from a racial standpoint. Yet he changed the face of music. Russell Simmons is a famous person who cares. Denzel Washington is a great example of a leader as well. Magic Johnson was a good example also.

Each of us have the opportunity to lead someone. We must all be leaders.

:heart:

Destee

I think Russel is more concerned with him$elf. Sure he has done somethings for the Black Community but he's a bit suspect. It's like he's trying to keep his cred in the Black community but at the same time, kiss them white folks behinds.. I recently read an article where Dead Prez was trying to get with Def Jam and in the article, M-1 says that when they were in an Elevator, they tried to talk to Russel and his response was "Yall need to stop cursing so much"....Okay, Russel can sign artists who 'curses' other black folk but when it comes to artists who 'curses' our government, he decides to act funnystyle. He may have done a little for the Black Community but he's really concerned about how corporate white Amerikkka would view him. As for his marrying an Asian girl, I actually agree with Justerika, if you're about "black love, black pride, empowerment etc etc" then that also needs to apply when it comes to choosing a mate. Now, As for my boy Magic, he's a great example of a Black role model. He makes moves. Out here in L.A he provided many jobs for young black teenagers, he finances schools that are facing financial run-down, He's apart of many Black Organizations and he's really activly involved. To put it bluntly, he dedicates alot of his time to the 'struggle' and he's married to a 'SISTA'. Russel could take a few notes from this brotha Magic.

AMEN! AND AMEN!

Thank you Pharoh Jah....It appears that some of us weren't following the dialogue very closely............I suppose Outkast completely missed the part about Russell calling Tavist the "N" word on national television.........(things that make you go hmmmm)..........and besides you can't preach one thing and live another

We have to remember that our lives must reflect our message...
Russell would be a "nobody" and that may still be so....if it weren't for his brother "Run".....let's not forget what and who gave him his fame.....it's only right that he give back to the game...he owes them!!!!!!

Thanks Pharoh again for keeping the thread on track....sometimes we get caught up with our own, self served opinions because it's something we personally support and forget to observe the "Facts"................

Enough Said...."He's not an "Ideal" leader for the Black Community, or any as far as I'm concerned"............I saw the episode and I'm still outraged to this day!

and as far as his wife is concerned...if there were a race of "Green" people.....somehow I feel he would marry into that race...Russells all about the money...not the people.