Russell Simmons Takes A Stand On The Controversial ‘Ground Zero Mosque’
By Travis Woods
Hip hop mogul Russell Simmons has taken a stand on the controversial Park51 issue, Park51 being the Muslim community center that is planned to be constructed in lower Manhattan near the Ground Zero site. In fact, according to Entertainment Weekly, Simmons has plastered the windows of his top-floor apartment (which is directly across the street from the World Trade Center location) with several signs preaching tolerance and acceptance of Park51.
“Six of Simmons’ window displays spell out the word “COEXIST” using religious symbols drawn from traditions including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Hinduism. Another cites Mark 12:31, the New Testament passage instructing Christians to ‘love thy neighbor as thyself.’ Two more window displays read ‘USA = FREE’ and ‘IT’S THE LAW.’”
Moreover, Simmons spoke to AP about the situation, and about how it’s an American’s duty to defend the rights of Muslims involved in the controversial debate:
“The fact that it is a public discussion, that there’s so many against it is what I think is disappointing to me, that so many people don’t know that we founded our country on the First Amendment…It’s for Jews, it’s for Christians, it’s for African-Americans and other non-Muslims to stand up and protect the rights of the Muslims involved in this debate…. It’s an American principle, it should offend every American.”
What do you think of Russell Simmons’ stance on the Park51 issue?
