MIA Magazine American Black Film Festival June 2016 | Page 5

MONDAY, JUNE 13, 2016

AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY MIA MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE SUN SENTINEL

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Meet COMMON: ABFF’s 2016 Festival Ambassador
COMMON is an internationally renowned rapper, actor and performer who
has earned multiple Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, and an NAACP
Image Award, among other recognitions. The American Black Film Festival
gave him a new title: 2016 Festival Ambassador. Though we originally met
him as a thought provoking rhyme slinger, the Chicago-native is much more
than that. Since launching his renaissance career more than two decades ago,
COMMON has emerged as one of Hollywood's most sought after
leading men.
He has appeared and starred in a number of theatrical releases
including Paramount’s Selma, a film centered on the civil rights marches
that changed America. He won a 2015 Golden Globe Award for “Best
Original Song in a Motion Picture” and a 2015 Academy Award for “Best
Original Song” alongside singer John Legend, for ‘Glory’ from the
motion picture. Legend and COMMON both performed and co-wrote
the song for the film.
The modern day griot also offers an even younger generation a better
understanding of self-respect and love, by utilizing the cultural relevance
of hip-hop in the children’s books he has written. COMMON recently added
to this list of accomplished written works with his revealing memoir, One
Day It’ll All Make Sense, which made the prestigious New York Times Best
Seller list upon release. Every aspect of his life’s journey was unveiled in
this deeply personal account of who COMMON is And the people, faith,
and events that have shaped and molded him into the award-winning,
critically acclaimed conscious artist of today.
In addition to his music, film, and literary pursuits, COMMON has been
the face, voice, and inspiration behind some of the world’s largest
consumer brands. He is a regularly requested college guest speaker. In
2000, he launched The Common Ground Foundation, a foundation serving
disadvantaged youth. And now he can add ABFF Festival Ambassador to his list
of accomplishments and contributions.

Log on to www.ThinkCommon.com, for more information.