Russell Simmons and Family Show Love for the Arts

Russell Simmons and Family Show Love for the Arts

By Chris Windham

Human Nature magazine

Russell Simmons’ Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation recently celebrated its mission of providing arts education programs to youth with its second annual Rush HeARTS Education Luncheon, held at the Plaza Hotel in New York City.

The Valentine’s Day event brought out arts education supporters from the entertainment, fashion, financial services, political and art communities, who watched performances and heard testimonials about the important of arts education to inner city youth.

CNN’s Soledad O’Brien hosted the program, with actress Tamara Tunnie serving as the keynote speaker. In what was an emotion speech, Tunnie shared how much the art programs that Rush Philanthropic facilitates means to her.

The crowd at the Plaza was also treated to a performance from The Amazing Rush Kids, who dazzled guests with their interpretation dancing, performing to Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep.”

The Rush Philanthropic Art Foundation has been providing inner city youth with access to the arts education programs since 1995. Founded by brothers Russell Simmons, Danny Simmons and Joseph “Rev. Run” Simmons, the foundation supports more 2,300 students each year.