ACCENT brings rapper Common to campus Feb. 13
February 4, 2014
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — ACCENT Speakers Bureau at the University of Florida will bring musician, actor and writer Common to campus Feb. 13 to speak, perform three songs, and answer questions. The show is co-sponsored by Black History Month.
A multiple Grammy-winner, Common acts in major Hollywood films and TV shows and advocates for the empowerment and positive development of young people.
Common grew up on the South Side of Chicago, forming his first rap group with high school friends. He studied business administration at Florida A&M University. He released his first single, “Take it EZ,” in 1992 and maintained a strong underground following through the 1990s, gaining mainstream success after signing with MCA Records and recording with a group of musicians known as the Soulquarians.
Common won a Grammy for his album “Finding Forever” and has acted in movies such as “Smokin’ Aces,” “American Gangster,” “Wanted” and the recent “Now You See Me.”
In 2000, he launched his own philanthropic effort, The Common Ground Foundation, whose mission is the empowerment of disadvantaged youth in urban communities. Common has also written books that aim to give younger generations a better understanding of self-respect and love.
Common will be discussing culture, hip hop, overcoming adversity, and accomplishing personal dreams. He will also be performing.
The program starts at 8 p.m. in the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Doors open at 7 p.m., and admission is free and open to the public.
Student tickets will be available for pickup at the Phillips Center Box Office at noon Feb. 12. Students must present their UF ID, which will allow each student to receive up to two tickets. If any tickets remain they will be made available to the general public beginning at 5 p.m. the day of the show. Photography is not allowed during the program, but press may record and photograph during the first five minutes of remarks.
A sign language interpreter will be present at the show. Anyone requesting special accommodations should call 711 at least 24 hours prior to the show.
Media credentials will be managed through UF News Bureau. Requests should be sent to sfo@ufl.edu and should include the name of the attendee, the name of the news organization as well as the contract phone and email address of the attendee. The deadline to submit requests for credentials is 5 pm on February 11th.