East
New York, Brooklyn is one of New York’s most struggling cities, with an unemployment
rate more than twice New York City’s average and a high school graduation
rate of less than 45 percent. Brothers
Russell Simmons, Joseph "Rev Run" Simmons and Danny Simmons hope this
will change with the opening of Rush Philanthropic’s East New York, Brooklyn
Arts Center.Described
as an “Arts Oasis” the 11,000 square-foot arts education and resource
center was given as a gift from Ron Hershco of United Homes and will open in the
Fall of 2007."Rush
Arts East New York will make a huge difference to this community,” Rush Philanthropic
Co-Founder Danny Simmons said in a press release. “Its comprehensive services
to the neighborhood’s children and growing artist population will help promote
a cultural revitalization." Rush
East New York will be divided into several areas including gallery space, two
classroom spaces, four artist studios, office and meeting space, and a rooftop
garden. Tonight
(Apr. 11), Russell Simmons and Danny Simmons will host a cocktail party/fundraiser
at the Time Warner Center in New York City. The
Simmons brothers will also honor Richard Buery Jr. and Groundwork Inc. Groundwork’s
college preparation program boasts a 100 percent graduation rate and 95 percent
college enrollment rate. Rush
East New York is set to open in Fall of 2007.
