Russell Simmons to Receive Vegan Activism Award

The Environmental Media Association (EMA) will honor music mogul/vegan advocate Russell Simmons September 23 with the 2017 Mission in Music Award at its 27th annual award ceremony in Los Angeles. This year’s event is hosted by EMA board member (and actor Will Smith’s son) Jaden Smith and honors individuals committed to raising awareness regarding environmental issues. “Russell exemplifies the spirit of our work at EMA, and we are honored to be celebrating him this year,” EMA CEO Debbie Levin said. “Through his continuous engagement, Russell has promoted sustainable plant-based diets, generously donated to educational programs with climate-based campaigns, and fought to abolish animal cruelty.” Earlier this month, Simmons hosted an all-vegan “Art for Life” gala that raised $1 million for inner-city arts through his organization the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation.