Features

All Categories

Russell Simmons to Lead 'I Am a Muslim, Too' Rally This Weekend

Posted Mar 2nd 2011 4:45PM by Carter Maness
Comments

Neilson Barnard, Getty Images

On March 6, Russell Simmons plans to lead over 75 interfaith, nonprofit, governmental and civil liberties groups in a rally that supports Muslim rights within the U.S. The gathering, an apparent response to Congressional hearings by Peter King (R-LI), aims to show a united American community with full cooperation amongst various religions. It will take place at New York City's Times Square at 2PM EST.

"As invested Americans, we acknowledge the important work of the Congressional Committee on Homeland Security," said Russell Simmons in a statement previewing the event. "However, we're concerned the hearings will send the wrong message and alienate American Muslims instead of partnering with them, potentially putting their lives at risk by inciting fear and enmity."

Guests at the rally will include a wide assortment of imams, rabbis, priests and many other religious and community leaders. Simmons jumped on board because he was alarmed at the "demonzation of an entire community." He also hopes to build signatures on a petition sent to house majority and minority leaders John Boehner and Nancy Pelosi that protests "the bias evident in King's hearings."

These hearings specifically dealt with the "radicalization of Muslims in America." Representative King has been widely criticized for having political motives rather than encouraging cooperation and social improvement.

Filed under: Hip-Hop, Hip-Hop News, What's Beef?
Email This

CHECK OUT THE CONCERT

N/A N/A

N/A

Starting from N/A

Average Price N/A

SEE MORE TICKETS »

UPCOMING SHOWS IN YOUR AREA

- -

Add a Comment

Sign in »

12 Comments

Filter by:

Amir Amrica

All Praise due to Allah/God for concience minded people like Russell Simmons. We are all Human Beings first and then we have our Faiths. When a injustice is done to one Human Being a injustice is done to all Human Beings. When a justice is done to one Human Being a justice is done to all Human Beings. I would like to thank Mr. Simmons for standing up and using his wide range of influence that our Creator has blessed him with. We need more like him in this great America the leader of all Countries. This Country is producing good leaders. Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country. As Salaamu Alaikum - that is; the establishment of Peace is Upon all of our shoulders.

March 09 2011 at 11:49 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

JoeAmerica

Mr. Russell Simmons & Interfaith Community,

Thank you for your support of Muslim Americans in the United States. Wish I could be there, but thank you very much. This means so much as it unites vice causing division and confusion as to who we are as a plurarist nation. We are all Americans and everyone is created equal. Peace be with you!
Joe

March 06 2011 at 10:51 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

JoeAmerica

Thank you!

March 06 2011 at 10:47 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

mmhidden266

The Rebublicans and Tea Party, by the way they talk alone should be enough to know what kind of human beings they are.

March 06 2011 at 6:32 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Yasmeen

Russell Simmons you are truly a role model for the world. When I grow up, I want to fulfill my life just like you. You have crossed the boundaries from religions to politics to american culture. Nothing but high regards for you and I appreciate that you are someone that an African-American can look up too.

March 05 2011 at 6:15 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

kiran

As a Muslim I am very happy to see this. It is truly wonderful that a man that has such status is doing this for Muslims and all religions coming together...I am impressed!

March 05 2011 at 4:00 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

wakipaki83

what's wrong with making half a billion dollars and leading a muslim rally? being muslim does not mean you can't make money pugzy000.

March 04 2011 at 9:01 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Enrique

Thank you Russell Simmons for your courage to stand with persons of faith. We are human, the children of Adam. We are Adam, we are Abraham, we are Moses, we are Jesus, we are Mohammed, prayers and peace be on them. We are Muslims, Christians and Jews...living in America and throughout the world. Goodness is on the rise. Peace, Shalom and Salaam Alaikum!

March 03 2011 at 2:30 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

pugzy000

HERE IS A GUY WHO MADE A HALF A BILLION DOLLARS IN THE US AND HE IS LEADING A MUSLIM RALLY!!!!!! GROSS

March 03 2011 at 11:17 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

1 reply to pugzy000's comment

UmmAhmed&Tawfiq

yes Pugzy, because as well as being an entertainment mogul, he is also a person of conscience. Not mutually exclusive afterall...
Wow!!! a novel idea. Maybe for some of us, hmmm, Pugzy?

March 03 2011 at 7:52 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

pugzy000

he should be ashamed of himself....A MUSLIM???? WHATTA JOKE

March 03 2011 at 11:16 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply