The HistoryMakers present

In Honor of Launa Thompson • August 25, 1951 - June 20, 2004
A live interview and PBS-TV Special

Friday, October 22, 2004

This hour-long one-on-one interview program provides a rare and insightful look into the life of hip-hop’s pioneering businessman, Russell Simmons. Taped in Chicago as a part of The HistoryMakers’ fifth anniversary, Simmons was interviewed by media maven Cathy Hughes, founder of Radio One and TV-One.

Simmons shared his life story before a sold-out crowd of 1,000, telling of his childhood in Queens, New York to becoming a co-founder of Def Jam records to the enormous successes of the clothing line, Phat Farm, and Def Comedy Jam and Def Poetry Jam.  Simmons also spoke at length about his philanthropic initiatives and about his political involvement in urging others to vote.  Russell Simmons’ influence can be felt in virtually all aspects of business and media, be it music, fashion, financial services and even the beverage industry, and he truly is a HistoryMaker.

An Evening With Russell Simmons features seldom seen historic footage and interviews with friends and associates filmed over the course of Simmons’ career. Taped in front of a live audience at the Art Institute of Chicago, An Evening With Russell Simmons was a remarkable highlight to celebrate The HistoryMakers’ fifth anniversary.  The program was held in memory of Launa Thompson, who passed away while working on making the event the success that it was. In attendance was previously honored HistoryMaker, Dionne Warwick, as well as numerous other HistoryMakers. Will Griffin, president and COO of Simmons Lathan Media Group was also on hand to premiere a new DVD series featuring interviews of numerous HistoryMakers as they talk about issues of faith, courage and success. The HistoryMakers is committed to the development of a unique on-line archive of 5,000 first-person narratives of African American HistoryMakers, both well known and unsung. When completed, the archive will represent the single largest archive of its kind in the world.

Coming soon, you will be able to own this fascinating and insightful addition to your home collection. You can view other An Evening With ... titles by clicking here.

(Above Left): HistoryMakers Dionne Warwick and Cathy Hughes with Julieanna Richardson following the event. (Above Right): Russell Simmons with his brother, Reverend Run of Run-DMC, and Clarence Avant, former chairman of Motown Records. (Bottom Left): A group of students anxiously looking forward to the evening.  (Bottom Right): Event co-chairs William Bonaparte and Illinois Senate President Emil Jones, Jr., with Russell Simmons.