Russell Simmons is using a portion of sales from his diamond company to help improve the lives of Africans.
Under the "Green Initiative," 25 percent of proceeds from his Simmons Jewelry Co. will go toward the Diamond Empowerment Fund, which will support such institutions as schools and colleges in South Africa and Botswana and help boost the economy.
Simmons’ announcement follows his recent tour of diamond mines and factories in South Africa and Botswana to research the diamond trade.
"Our purpose was to see how we could have an affect on the diamond industry," he told a news conference Tuesday. "Africans need this industry," Simmons added, citing such economic benefits to the region as the funding of HIV/AIDS clinics.
Human rights groups are attempting to shine a light on conflict diamonds, or jewels that have fueled and funded wars in Africa. Armed gunman sell the gems to raise funds for weapons. Millions have been killed in Angola, Sierra Leone, Liberia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Simmons Jewelry Co. President Scott Rauch said the company's diamonds are conflict-free.
Under the "Green Initiative," 25 percent of proceeds from his Simmons Jewelry Co. will go toward the Diamond Empowerment Fund, which will support such institutions as schools and colleges in South Africa and Botswana and help boost the economy.
Simmons’ announcement follows his recent tour of diamond mines and factories in South Africa and Botswana to research the diamond trade.
"Our purpose was to see how we could have an affect on the diamond industry," he told a news conference Tuesday. "Africans need this industry," Simmons added, citing such economic benefits to the region as the funding of HIV/AIDS clinics.
Human rights groups are attempting to shine a light on conflict diamonds, or jewels that have fueled and funded wars in Africa. Armed gunman sell the gems to raise funds for weapons. Millions have been killed in Angola, Sierra Leone, Liberia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Simmons Jewelry Co. President Scott Rauch said the company's diamonds are conflict-free.
