|
|
Article: Motion to repeal: New York activists, joined by hip-hop politico Russell Simmons, are trying to overturn the notorious Rockefeller drug laws. Nicole Davis looks into what the tenuous coalition has been able to accomplish.(action)
- Article from:
- Colorlines Magazine
- Article date:
- September 22, 2003
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2003 Color Lines Magazine. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
With very few exceptions, most music artists (irrespective of genre), athletes, actors, and industry insiders shun opportunities to use their clout, name recognition, and, equally important, money to make concrete political changes in the lives of those who are their biggest fans.
But what happens when someone as well known as Russell Simmons decides to try his hand at politics? Due to his recent involvement with the effort to repeal the 50-year-old New York state Rockefeller drug laws, Simmons has been meeting for hours on end with some of New York's biggest political players--Governor George Pataki, Republican Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno, and ...