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By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices
For his groundbreaking Diamond Empowerment Fund, Russell Simmons will be feted with a special honor.
On Oct. 7, the celebrated hip-hop impresario will receive the "Hollywood Soul" award during the 2007 Hollywood Style Awards, held at the Pacific Design Center's SilverScreen Theater in Los Angeles.
The announcement was made by A Diamond is Forever, which is a sponsor of the event.
The mission of the DEF, which the Def Jam Records visionary founded earlier this year, is to raise money to support educational and skill-development schools, colleges and other institutions that empower economically disadvantaged people and communities in African countries.
"Giving is sexy, so anytime you can do something for someone other than yourself, do it," Simmons told The BV Newswire. "Those are the really lasting gifts.
The former Phat Farm honcho's jewelry enterprise -- Simmons Jewelry Company -- designs and manufactures the popular Green Initiative bracelet made from native African materials - genuine green malachite beads and a rough diamond.
It retails for about $125.
Twenty dollars from each bracelet, considered a must-have item worn by celebrities such as Beyoncé, Chris Tucker, David Beckham, Ludacris, Penelope Cruz, Serena Williams, and T.I., is donated to raise funds for educational programs in Africa.
"For me," he continued, "the work we do to raise money for the Diamond Empowerment Fund to help Africa come from our heart and is one of the most important things I've dedicated myself to. If the exposure around receiving this award brings more attention to this cause, that's a good thing."
Comments: (20)
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By: Ajaye on 10/06/2007 4:20PM
Donald I have two words for you: GROW UP!!!!!!!!!!!
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By: everett on 10/03/2007 12:01PM
Re:rdebose
I have to co-sign on this comment. The economic powers in South Africa have only meant oppression and other negative ways of life for native Africans over the years; including the present. Like it or not, these kinds of liaisons are all about money and more money. The fruit of these perpetrators "philanthropy" hardly ever means any long term benefit for the people they claim to be helping. I wonder if there alliances could be used to force the present- and recent-day Israel and others who have exploited the African continent to address the many ills it has played a role in initiating; as well as making restitution? On the other hand, one man (Russell) can't right all the wrongs that were supported by international governments -- US included..but I would agree holding the powers-that-be responsibile for historic, present and future actions detrimental to the good of the AFrican nations is a long overdue. Hmmmm..."Hollow-wood" Awards...
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By: Maxine on 10/03/2007 7:56PM
Stay strong Russell ... You're right!
Love You
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By: Toni on 10/07/2007 9:56AM
After seeing the movie Blood Diamond, I wonder if that's the way Russell will be getting the diamonds he'll be selling? Because if it is then NOBODY, and I MEAN NOBODY needs to buy them.
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By: Vinnie Barrett on 10/07/2007 10:42AM
Please tell the readers more about Russell and Kimora's diamond set up deal and more about the diamond exploitations of Africa. This is very powerful information for us to know. The need is really for the rich and famous to give more to the ghettos of the U.S.A
where they came from, more so than going overseas. I love the world, but take a look at your own back yard first. Too much greed is going on in the world. And Kimora, please stop acting like a spoiled brat on TV
and give the aspiring women some stronger tips on how to build a career or business. You look very foolish being fabulous a lot more than being wise and fabulous...
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By: keisha on 10/08/2007 5:24AM
Donald you have too much time on your hand. Stop playing with yourself and say something worth reading. Your mother must have dropped you when you were born. Anyway congratulations to Russell Simmons it was well deserved
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By: Marvice Young on 10/07/2007 1:44PM
In response to Donald's comment. The reason some stars see the need to help Africa is because they have been over there and seen the plight of the "poor" Africans first hand. In America we use the word "poor" however, we in America are no where near the type of poor those people suffer. In America you have no one in your way but YOURSELF holding you back. Over there you have a delapidated infrastructure, struggling government, constant fighting and brutal genecide, and a host of diseases. Even though they have some countries that have been able to industrialize and modernize, it still is not enough to help sustain all the other African countries. You may consider yourself to be poor in America, but I bet you have a phone, a cell phone, more than one TV in your home, a roof over your head, and a car. In Africa, they have no phone or cell phone, no running water to cook or clean, no inside bathrooms, one room school houses, stores lacking several food items etc... So before you go criticizing someone for trying to help someone else, think about all you do have and what you could do that may make a difference for someone else.
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By: Ann Hayes on 10/08/2007 12:47AM
Thousands of sandings ovations to Marvice Young for his intelligent and thought provoking comments. because they will help us the readers better understand part of what's going on in africa. Hate is running wild in this country. Those who hate complain about everything and everyone, listen haters WHY SHOULD YOU CARE WHERE THE HELP IS GIVEN? These entertainers are GIVING THEIR MONEY TO CLOTHE, FEED AND MAKE LIKE EASIER FOR SOMEONE and if you don't like the amount of help they give, GIVE YOURSELF or keep your comments to yourself.
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By: francine c. batt.e on 10/07/2007 8:33PM
Well, well, well, Russell Simmons,I'm happy when one realizes that it's time to share in the blessings one has been given with those less fortunate. HOWEVER, let us not forget, the foundation of Mr. Simmons multi-million dollar businesses came from "seed money" he gleaned from selling drugs to the economically deprived when living in the ghetto, before that drug seed money enabled him to move to the Hamptons. Perhaps, this is his way of redeeming himself in the eyes of all those to whom he contributed addiction and death due to the drugs he supplied. In our country, beginning with the "Robber Barons" that started this country's industrial revolution, it seems the end always justifies the means. And, yes, we really need to learn history--especially you youngsters. Isreal was the ONLY country who refused to honor the embargo against South Africa President Carter instituted thru the United Nations and continued with their trade agreements, stating that their survival depended on continued trade. It seems that the "Good Samaritan" philosphy ends where the dollar begins and NEVER applies when there is a question of profit to be made.
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By: Terry on 10/08/2007 2:42AM
B.S. It's all about profit, earnings and hogwash. The oppressed enslaved people in africa could build their own schools if they weren't being stripped of their diamonds. Now the oppressers have an African American heartless puppet telling the world it's alright to buy blood diamonds and they think the world is stupid enough to believe the peoples who's blood is attached to their diamonds are going to be thrown a bone. B.S. and HOGWASH.
The Africans are screaming. DON'T PISS IN MY FACE AND TELL ME IT'S RAINING.....
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