Russell Simmons + Walmart= Great Men's Clothing and Social Entrepreneurism

Russell Simmons understands the Economy of Fashion
By Abba A. Onyeani
Ceo-The Black Urban Times


I don't really get into the fashion thing that much, but when I was shopping by myself one day I saw Mr. Simmons likeness in the men's department at Wal*Mart. I was shocked! Could the great Russell Simmons do it again? Of course. The hoopla that I'm talking about right now is the American Classics line of men's clothing that Mr. Simmons is selling at Wal*Mart. The clothing is another way that Mr. Simmons is giving back to the community through capitalism and qualities of social entrepreneurship. The article written by Dr. Watkins about the Rush Card failed to speak about the relationship of the Rush Card to economic exclusivity.

The divide of class is very apparent in society today. The Rush Card touches base on some of the problems of that divide through social entrepreneurship. The very idea of a card that the less fortunate can use to help them secure credit or save money can only help a community. This brings me to the American Classics clothing line. I like many other brothers of my age grew up listening to Run-DMC and 2pac. I immersed myself into hip-hop music and the culture. With the culture came expensive clothing, and that's where I had a problem. The lyrics of today's rappers touch base on subjects that deal with poverty in their community, but when they make a clothing line the prices are out of reach for most of the 18-34 black males that grew up in the hood.

With American Classics Mr. Simmons has hit the nail on the head a few ways with making great looking clothes that are affordable ,stay true to hip-hop culture, and look good on me..which by the way makes my wife happy..so I'm good. The clothing gives new meaning to quality and affordablity, while staying connected to the culture of hip-hop. The social entrepreneur finds a way to connect to capitalism while still giving back to their community. Russell Simmons has set the blueprint for social entrepreneurship that Black Intellectuals should study, before coming to the conclusion that its "All about the Benjamins".

Global Grind Exclusive, the young lady who was the center of the Elliot Spitzer scandal, Ashley Dupree, is now blogging over at Global Grind.

Ok – this is a long one – but it’s the first time I’ve blogged in an entire year, so I have a lot to say. This past year has been a difficult one, but it has also been a period of awakening for me. I’ve gained a perspective on life that I probably never would have been able to achieve if not for all of the heartache. In great part, discovering my identity came through the quiet reflection I enjoyed while practicing yoga, and the inner strength I’ve developed attracts powerful things. I’m seeing that the stronger I am at my core, the more natural and effortless it becomes to draw positive people and uplifting experiences into my life. For example, never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined befriending Russell Simmons while taking class at a yoga school I started going to in the past year. This school has been the safe haven for my self-study and spiritual development.




The more I know my true self, the more I come to have faith that my presence on earth means more or at least has different meaning than the media or disbelievers have tried to frame it to be. Russell was there, reaching out to give me hand placement tips and educate me about the virtues of yoga that he’s discovered throughout the years. He explained the importance of understanding that our actions sometimes have far reaching consequences – a lesson that certainly resonated with me. And never would I have imagined finding my new fairy godmother, Kelly Cutrone, who has become such an inspiration to me and stood by me even at her own expense. I am blessed to have them and other people in my life who are honest, positive and want to help me walk a better path.
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Russell Simmons earns 2009 GEM Award

They love his 'def' style

Last night at the Jewelry Information Center's GEM Awards at Cipriani's, the most prestigious award of the evening, the Style Award, was presented to Russell Simmons and Simmons Jewelry Co. for Innovation and Design. In honor of his exceptional contributions to the fine jewelry industry, Russell Simmons received the coveted Award for Style from the Jewelry Information Center (JIC) at Friday evening's GEM Awards in Manhattan. The hip-hop pioneer, entrepreneur, and humanitarian was awarded this prize in recognition of both his innovative jewelry design along with his philanthropic efforts through Simmons Jewelry Co. LL Cool J was tapped to introduce and pay tribute to Russell, his longtime friend and mentor.
Take a look

"Uncle Russell" Defends His Right To Date White

Russell's Blog: Dating and Race BY Russell Simmons

Note: while I was searching for a politically correct photo for this blog I found one of the beautiful model Kiara at my Diamond Empowerment event who I have known for ten years. And no, we are not dating-I'm not THAT lucky.
It seems that almost every week since I have been single there is a headline on some black internet site that says something like "Russell Simmons is FINALLY Dating a Sista?!?!?!" Surely you have seen these, its a constant in my life.
I am of the view as a philanthropist and businessman that all press is good if it can help me as a brand or bring in more money to my five charities-especially in this time of economic crisis when every charity is struggling to keep afloat. However, I do find this blatent racism offensive. Just last week I was out with my friend Veronica Verikova and the next day had to read about "uncle Russell's brand new blonde bust down". She doesn't deserve that, nobody does! And yes, it is offensive.
Some people believe that if you date a person from another race you are somehow denying who you are. They believe that dating someone with a different skin color somehow makes you a self-hater, loathing that which makes you yourself. They believe that it's an insult to your parents, ancestors, heritage and community. I find this view much more telling about the people who say this than about those who do find a physical, spiritual, mental and emotional connection with someone who looks different than themselves.
Choosing someone who I am physically attracted to and who also inspires, uplifts, educates and keeps me interested is my first priority- not their race. And if these bloggers recall I did marry a woman who was half African American. Furthermore, I have had many high profile relationships with African American women, such as the only serious relationship that I have had since my divorce (who some may already know) with my dear friend yoga teacher/model/philantropist Porschla Coleman.Elijah Muhammad once said that African Americans were chained for so long that when those chains were released we refused to move. I get where these feelings are coming from but I don't condone them. That kind of collective consciousness by a group promotes negativity in a world that has enough hatred and intolerance - and it saddens me to see these pollutants in my community.

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