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Hip-hop entrepreneur Russell Simmons has reached a point where he may well fit his own definition of success: “The state of needing nothing.” But the founder of Def Jam, Phat Farm and Rush Communications is not resting on his laurels. He’s written a book that is on the New York Times best-seller list, Super Rich:…

In this exclusive interview with The Root, actress Anna Deavere Smith (Nurse Jackie, West Wing) talks about her new one-woman show, Let Me Down Easy, which kicked off its national tour at Washington, D.C.’s Arena Stage and will air on PBS later this year. In it she explores health care, illness and death and impersonates…

In this audio interview, Contributing Editor Anji Corley goes “Beyond Fame” with rapper and actor Common about how old he was when he wrote his first rap, whether or not a reality show is in his future and his ideal woman. 

Massachusetts Institute of Technology student Benjamin Mensah has worked hard to promote computer literacy in Africa. Benjamin Mensah’s Young Futurist Bio

Baltimore high school student Daquan Chisholm invented a bulletproof helmet to protect police officers in the line of duty and hopes to patent it one day. Daquan Chisholm’s Young Futurist Bio

A drama student at NYU, Thais Francis wants to use her joy of acting to promote appreciation of the theater in the Caribbean and Africa. Thais Francis’ Young Futurist Bio

A multi-talented MIT student, Dorian Dargan has spent extensive time in South America and Latin America promoting entrepreneurship. Dorian Dargan’s Young Futurist Bio

Dyci Manns started a nonprofit called Bookbags With the Basics to give underprivileged kids school supplies. She later launched Model 26, which provides financial assistance to college students pursuing human rights internships or volunteering abroad. Dyci Manns’ Young Futurists Bio

A senior at Yale, Kayla Vinson has made it her mission to close the achievement gap between white and black male students. Kayla Vinson’s Young Futurist Bio

The challenges of leadership have an extra dimension to them when you’re black. Several notables, including Condoleezza Rice and Maj. Gen. Ronald Bailey of the U.S. Marines, share their insights in interviews with The Root’s editor-in-chief, Henry Louis Gates Jr. In the latest segment of the series, Bailey, who heads recruiting for the Marine Corps and…