Russell Simmons leads kids in 'Keep the Peace' pledge

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Russell Simmons talked to students at Dorsey High School about making the right choices during a time of racial and political turmoil. 

“I’m here to talk about peace because the programs the we promote the groups that you join, the activities that you choose, they are part of being peaceful. It’s an action,” said Simmons.  

The Def Jam Recordings co-founder also led the students in a four-minute meditation as a segue to create peace in their community. 

Dorsey senior Marcell Richardson meditated for the first time today. 

"I have a lot of stress around my house and household so being able bring that back to my household and telling people this how you can relieve stress and relieve negativity is very powerful," said Richardson. 

Other students like senior, Eureca Morti have already incorporated meditation practice into their lifestyle. She said listening to Simmons reassured her that it has many benefits. 

“Just knowing that all the noise around you is what interrupts you and stops you from seeing the beauty outside and that it keeps your head straight,” said Morti. “It’s good for you.”

The peace pledge was sponsored by Simmons' company, RushCard, which offers consumers prepaid credit cards who may not have access to a traditional bank account.

RushCard created the "Keep the Peace" initiative, a national grant program that supports non-profits like Community Coalition, which helped put on today's event.

Simmons also announced he's going to fill the Dorsey High School library with copies of his best selling books, including Super Rich: A Guide to Having it All.