The Common Ground Foundation is to host the first annual “Common’s Start the Show n’ Bowl” and “Common & Friends Concert” to raise over $350,000 for charity.
The event will kick off on September 26 with a VIP gala at the Cartier Boutique in Chicago, with the bowling competition and concert taking place the following day. Joining rapper Common for the festivities will be Black Eyed Peas member will.i.am, as well as The Roots, Talib Kweli, Bilal, Marsha Ambrosius of Floetry, and many more yet to be announced.
The Common Ground Foundation was established by Common and is dedicated to the empowerment and development of urban youth in the United States. The event is set to help raise money for two programs: BE empowered – which provides life, career, and educational mentoring as a means for youth participants to achieve understanding, confidence, and self-respect – and Read for Change – which addresses the national problem of illiteracy which motivates youth to read through The Corner, a national online book club.
“I started the Common Ground Foundation because I wanted to help,” said Common. “Most of all help people to help themselves. I always believed that if we started with the youth, then we would be planting the seeds for our future to blossom. Give the children a sense of hope, self-esteem, and love that will better the world. I think making a difference in the lives of others is my life’s greatest purpose. I walk this path with faith knowing the Common Ground Foundation will change the world.”
More information can be found at www.commongroundfoundation.org.
