“I don’t want to be a Russell Simmons, greedy-ass entrepreneur,” he exclaims. “I would like to be a Russell Simmons, philanthropist/activist.”
Simmons has always understood that money does not equal happiness, which is why he has spent a better part of his life giving back to others. “Look at all the billionaires,” says Simmons. “If I know 15 billionaires, I know 13 unhappy people.”
Whether it is through his music, his activism or his donations, Simmons has dedicated much of his time and energy to tackling the social issues that are most dear to his heart. “I want to fight poverty and ignorance and give opportunity to those people who are locked out.” Whereas many in the music industry and elsewhere often looked down on the very people who were building up Simmons’ career, he notes that, “Judgment of the people in the situation is not helpful. How can you help them is the question.”
In 1992, Simmons launched the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network, which meets regularly in an attempt to harness the power of hip-hop to educate and mobilize youth. Between 1993 and 1998, the organization attempted to register 2 million young voters and encourage them to vote and have their voices heard. “The most important thing we got to do is make it cool to show up at the rallies, make it in style to pay attention.”
Simmons has dedicated much time to doing public service campaigns for issues that he cares deeply about, such as HIV testing and cruelty against animals. Though he does produce a line of goods with both leather and fur, he says, “I do the best I can…everybody does the best they can.” He also created the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation, which gives almost half a million dollars each year to groups that introduce underprivileged children to the arts.
Simmons has also recently been involving himself in politics, landing himself in hot water when he challenged New York State’s drug laws. Claiming he was fighting “on behalf of the hip-hop community”, Simmons was subsequently charged with organizing a rally without lobbyist credentials. Never one to take things sitting down, Simmons in turn sued the state for violating his free-speech rights. He is currently spending his time working on a project with Will Smith and Leonardo DiCaprio to fight anti-Semitism.
Aside from his activism, Simmons has attempted to combine his business pursuits with his philanthropic goals. In one such venture, Simmons introduced the Rush Card, a prepaid Visa debit card aimed at the 45 million Americans who otherwise would be unable to have access to a credit card. Costing $19 for the card and $1 per transaction, Simmons’ Rush Card falls somewhere between an expensive check-cashing agency and a charity. He is becoming increasingly interested in businesses that have the potential to improve someone’s socio-economic status.
Above all else, Simmons’ goal in life has been to give back to the community and the world around him. “It’s our job to continue to give back…I want to contribute more to earth than I take away from it.” But, ever the businessman, Simmons’ desire to help others does not come at the cost of his business savvy. After all, says Simmons, “It's hard to help the poor if you're one of them.”
Lesson #3: Give Back
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