Voice for Equality: Russell Simmons

Russell Simmons (born October 4, 1957 in Queens, New York), is an American entrepreneur, the co-founder of hip-hop label Def Jam, and creator of the clothing fashion line Phat Farm. In 1992, Simmons met model Kimora Lee at New York's fashion week. They dated for six years and married in 1998. Officiating was Russell's brother, the Reverend Run, now an ordained minister. They were divorced in January 2009 but have two daughters.

While Simmons has been a leading voice for justice and equality on many fronts including war, poverty, HIV/AIDS, and he has also been a voice for the freedom to marry going back to at least 2003. Most recently, on June 1, 2009, Simmons wrote in the Huffington Post, “In my heart, I know that marriage equality for every human being isn't a question of if, but only a matter of when.”

Freedom to Marry salutes New Yorker Russell Simmons for being a Voice for Equality!

**Make your NOMINATION for a Voice for Equality today!