Hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons has said
he was humbled by having Rev. Al Sharpton present him with a GLAAD
Media Award.
The
Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) held its first
of three shows in New York on Saturday. Simmons was honored with
the group's Excellence in Media Award for his support of LGBT rights.
In accepting his award, the Def Jam
co-creator called Sharpton one of his heroes.
“It's a great honor and I'm truly
appreciative of the GLAAD Media Awards including me in this special
night,” Simmons told the crowd. “I'm humbled by having one of my
mentors and heroes Rev. Sharpton giving me this award. It's no
secret that faith-based communities, in some cases, have been
difficult, and I think that for all of us who step outside of our
comfort zone and fight for the rights of others, we are blessed. And
Rev. Sharpton [has] stood up in so many ways and has been very
special. And to the gay and lesbian community he's a true blessing.
I'm honored and appreciative and I just want to thank everybody.
Thank you."
Earlier in the year, Simmons
recorded a video for the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) urging New
Yorkers to support gay marriage.
Singer Ricky Martin was also honored at
Saturday's gala. In accepting his award, Martin
thanked his boyfriend and family for their support.