Russell Simmons: Young people yearn for a more just America
CBS News asked noted figures in the arts, business and politics about their experience in today's civil rights movement, or about figures who inspired them in their activism.
Russell Simmons, entrepreneur, co-founder of Def Jam Recordings; Chairman, Board of Directors, the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding
What needs to happen in the next 50 years for equality to be fully realized in the U.S.?
The next 50 years of this country are bright. They are bright because young people, of all races, are yearning for a more equal America, a more just America, a more fair America.
In order for equality to be fully-realized over the next 50 years, we need to give young people more resources to create. More resources to connect. More resources to construct. They see an America as beautiful as it could ever be, as they believe that -- regardless of race, class, creed, color or sexual orientation -- all people should be given an opportunity to thrive.
I have always believed in the power that young people possess, but now more than ever, I see that they have the ability to get us out of the valley and up the mountain.
For more info:
- Follow Russell Simmons on Twitter (@UncleRUSH) and Facebook
- Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation
- Foundation for Ethnic Understanding