Russell Simmons, political activist, founder and CEO of Def Jam records and of Phat Farm clothing, recently lectured at Hamilton College, delivering the third annual C. Christine Johnson Voices of Color Lecture to a large crowd in Wellin Hall. Although Simmons was scheduled to lecture titled "Hip-Hop's Influence on Politics, Economics and Popular Culture," he opted to make his time at Hamilton more of an open conversation or dialogue where students, faculty, and community members were able to discuss hip-hop, society, politics, entrepreneurship, and the media.
Simmons first answered questions submitted by Hamilton students, later opening up the discussion to other questions audience members may have had. Discussing a variety of topics including music downloading, hip-hop videos, sexism within rap music, and the importance of racial diversity in rap music, Simmons expressed his opinion honestly and thoroughly.
Simmons discussed more than the rap industry, entrepreneurship, and fashion. He discussed at length the importance of spirituality. "A spiritual base will help anybody" Simmons claimed as he urged his audience to give back to their communities.
Simmons inspired his audience as he discussed the need to perform service, to either God or your community. "You never get back...unless you give." Simmons urged his audience. "Getting what you want is not the goal; it's giving." Urging the less fortune to "stick it out," Simmons asked: "What else are we here for but to stick it out?" Additionally, Simmons challenged the youth to make change and help make society less violent, sexist, and materialistic.
Happiness, according to Simmons, was really all that life is about. Although Simmons admitted the inherent difficulty living with unfortunate socioeconomic conditions, he assured anyone that they could have whatever they wanted as long as their spirit was not impoverished. Insisting that everyone has an opportunity to change what they see unfit in society, Simmons urged students to "deal with the root" of society's problems and actively work to positively transform their communities.
The Voices of Color Lecture Series was established to recognize and honor Christine Johnson, Director of the Higher Education Opportunity Program, for her 30 years of commitment to not only students of color, but also the entire Hamilton College Community. The C. Christine Johnson Voice of Color Lecture Series provides a forum for the education and exchange of ideas from prominent and reputable persons of color in academia and beyond.
Simmon's lecture was sponsored by: The President's Office, Dean of the Faculty, Dean of the Students Office of Multicultural Affairs, Levitt Center, Higher Education Opportunity Program, Africana Studies, Kirkland Project, The Brothers, Womyn's Center, and The Black Student Union.
-by Emily Lemanczyk
