June 7, 2001 – Russell Simmons was joined by Federal Communications Commission Chairman Michael Powell this morning while they were both were being honored as Father of the Year by National Father's Day Committee at the New York Marriott Marquis. Yesterday, Powell fined Pueblo, Colorado radio station KKMG-FM $7000 for broadcasting the Eminem rap song, "The Real Slim Shady." The edited track was cited by the FCC for not complying with guidelines imposed by the FCC regarding obscenity and indecency.

On the dais honoring Fathers of the Year, Simmons and Powell had a discussion where the rap mogul suggested that as head of the FCC committee dictating decency on the radio, he should attend the discussions taking place next week in New York at the Hip-Hop Summit.

According to Simmons: "I asked Mr. Powell, 'How can you make decisions regarding obscenity and indecency when you've never met with the leaders of the hip-hop community? The Hip-Hop Summit is about building bridges on a myriad of levels, where politicians, civil rights and religious leaders, artists and music executives are coming together to find out where we stand in the world at large. It is a perfect opportunity for you to study our culture. You have a responsibility as head of the FCC to be a part of this Summit.' Mr. Powell then accepted my invitation."

The Hip-Hop Summit takes place June 12 and 13 at the New York Hilton. A press conference reporting on the closed-door meetings, and a plan of action to implement the resultant initiatives will take place on June 14, 11 a.m., also at the New York Hilton.