A very big congratulations to Friends of Island Academy on celebrating its 20th Anniversary! Over the years, I have been honored to have interacted with the great teaching and administrative teams of Friends, as well as the students. I am proud that Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation has had the opportunity to work on arts initiatives with Friends’ students, and was glad to have visited Rikers years ago and to have met with students and Youth Leaders. I have been inspired by meeting so many talented young people climbing steep hills to a better life, and it has helped me at times to focus on our work to fight for justice and positive change for all of our youth.

You all are doing the important work, God’s work, to bring the empowering resources of education, loving guidance, and support to young people so ready to make a better future for themselves. Thank you, Friends of Island Academy, for all you do.

With great love all things are possible,

Russell Simmons