Russell Simmons on Using Social Media to Effect Change in Baltimore, Highlight Investments

Media mogul and entrepreneur Russell Simmons says people in Baltimore are angry about a system they feel has failed them. Simmons’ idea, which he took to New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, is for a special prosecutor who would decide whether or not to indict police officers in brutality cases. Russell said, ‘People are already angry at the system. But, an unjust system like ours is something that has to be fixed.’ On Monday evening, Simmons took to Twitter to share his thoughts on the looting and violence that erupted in Baltimore. He said, ‘If people felt there was some oversight, they would be less angry.’ While Simmons uses social media to comment on events and try to effect change, he also uses it to promote his multitude of business ventures. His newest investment is energy drink maker Celsius. Simmons says he made the $16 million investment through Horizon Ventures after he met with the company’s executives. TheStreet’s Rhonda Schaffler has details from the Milken Global Conference in Los Angeles.