2006-12-01: RUSSELL SIMMONS STATEMENT ON 2006 WORLD AIDS DAY
KIMBERLEY, SOUTH AFRICA – DECEMBER 1, 2006 Russell Simmons today led his Simmons Jewelry Company fact-finding delegation to Kimberley, South Africa. Simmons emphasized, “Today is World AIDS Day and I am humbled to be present in Africa where the pandemic of HIV/AIDS is a deadly reality for millions of people. We need to increase public awareness campaigns throughout the world on this issue. We support the efforts of the numerous humanitarian and health groups, as well as governmental and non-governmental organizations that are diligently dedicated in their response to this great human crisis. We add our voice and work in complete solidarity with all who are standing up and taking action on this day. Ultimately, however, we believe that the eradication of HIV/AIDS will happen when much more is done to effectively end poverty in Africa and throughout the world. The best way to end poverty is through sustainable economic development and empowerment.”
The video footage of the Simmons Jewelry Company fact-finding delegation to South Africa and Botswana is now available on youtube.com.