Russell Simmons, chairman of The Foundation for Ethnic Understanding, was awarded the NAACP’s prestigious Vanguard in part for his work with FFEU encouraging and strengthening dialogue between ethnic communities. The Vanguard Award is presented to individuals whose groundbreaking work increases our understanding and awareness of racial and social issues. Chairman Simmons received the award during a televised broadcast of the NAACP Image Awards Presentation on February 12, 2009.