Rapper and activist Common to deliver address at KOD celebration

With the 20th anniversary of the annual Keeper of the Dream Scholarship Awards Celebration approaching, Oakland University prepares to welcome distinguished lyricist Common as the keynote speaker.

Best known as a hip hop artist and poet, Common has grown into an actor, author and role model, offering a message of love and self-respect. His introspective rhymes have pushed boundaries with their incisive social commentary, and his lyrics promote family ethics, racial understanding and pride in one’s self.

Common is successful across many fields, and has released seven albums, three children’s books, a memoir, appeared in several television shows and films, and created a youth organization.

As an author, Common has combined hip-hop with literature. His three children’s books are titled “The MIRROR and ME,” “I Like You But I Love Me,” and “M.E. (Mixed Emotions).” His first book for adults was released in 2011, “One Day It’ll All Make Sense,” a provocative and touching memoir.

The Common Ground Foundation was launched in 2007, and is an organization dedicated to the empowerment and development of America’s urban youth.

Whether inspiring audiences through his music, his books or his foundation,
Common continues to break new ground and remains one of hip-hop’s
most innovative, positive voices.

Oakland’s Keeper of the Dream Scholarship Awards celebration honors the legacy of the late civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The celebration recognizes students who exemplify Dr. King’s vision, and reward their efforts in promoting interracial acceptance and understanding.

Established in 1993, Keeper of the Dream provides scholarships up to $5,000 for students who have demonstrated strong citizenship, scholarship and leadership in breaking down cultural stereotypes and promoting interracial understanding. Since its inception, more than 50 students from a wide variety of academic majors have been awarded scholarships.

This year’s celebration is set for 11 a.m. on Monday, January 16, 2012, in the Oakland Center Banquet Rooms.

For more information about the Keeper of the Dream event, please call the Center for Multicultural Initiatives at (248) 370-4404 or visit the Keeper of the Dream website.