COMMON FINDS NEW 'GROUND' FOR THE PEOPLE: Rapper launches foundation to empower urban youth

Rapper Common, born Lonnie Rashid Lynn in Chicago, has announced the launch of The Common Ground Foundation, Inc., an effort dedicated to the empowerment and development of urban youth through education.


"I always believed that if we started with the youth then we would be planting the seeds for our future to blossom," says the socially conscious emcee, who stars opposite Denzel Washington in the upcoming film, "American Gangster."

Additionally, The Common Ground Foundation supports and focuses on AIDS/HIV prevention programs targeted towards youth and young adults, reaching beyond our national borders to serve communities throughout Africa.

Common also recently wrapped filming on "Wanted" with co-stars Morgan Freeman and Angelina Jolie, and David Ayer's "The Night Watchman" starring Keanu Reeves and Forest Whitaker.