May 18, 2010

Arlington, Va.  -   Russell Simmons recently joined Communities in Schools of the Nation’s Capital for a workshop on financial literacy and meditation. The event offered valuable and timely financial information to Ward 8 parents, Ballou Senior High School seniors, Ferebee-Hope students, faculty and staff. 

Financial literacy is critical as multicultural communities are disproportionately impacted by the economic downturn. Unemployment for African Americans is projected to reach a 25-year high this year according to a study released in January 2010. African Americans and Latinos were far behind employment levels even when the economy was booming.

“Empowering our underserved communities has been central to our mission at CIS,” said Tobeka G. Green, CEO of Communities In Schools of the Nation’s Capital. “We are excited to host Russell Simmons and to participate in an event that will help contribute to and help educate students, parents, and individuals about the importance of financial literacy.”

Russell Simmons is the chairman and co-founder of Hip-Hop Summit Action Network. Founded in 2001, the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network is designed to provide young people with the basic tools of financial empowerment. He has hosted a popular nationwide financial management tour, “Get Your Money Right,” for hip-hop fans as a way to foster economic well-being. With proper information about financial literacy, Simmons believes people can still be successful, even during the current economic environment.

Communities In Schools surrounds students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. Through a school-based coordinator, Communities In Schools connects students and their families to critical community resources, tailored to local needs. Working in more than 3,400 schools in the most challenged communities, in 25 states and the District of Columbia, Communities In Schools serves nearly 1.3 million young people and their families. Communities In Schools has become the nation's leading dropout prevention organization, and the only one proven to both decrease dropout rates and increase graduation rates.

Visit our website at www.communitiesinschools.org