Hip-Hop producer Swizz Beatz was honored by Russell Simmons and the Foundation For Ethnic Understanding (FFEU) last night (October 27).
The non-profit foundation was started by Rabbi Marc Schneier as a way to strengthening relations between ethnic community through face-to-face dialog.
Simmons currently serves as chairman of the organization, which has been in existence for over 20 years. Swizz, born Kaseem Dean, is a Muslim.
He told those in attendance that he was frequently profiled by police and security while traveling through airports.
FFEU has recognized other rappers in the past, including LL Cool J, who received the organizations Joseph Papp Racial Harmony Award last April at Simmons’ home.
According to reports, Swizz has offered to produce a record that Simmons, Nas and the FFEU are backing in support of Queens activist Erica Ford and her program “Bury Da Beef,” which aims to curb youth violence.
