Join in celebrating Black History Month with hip hop artist and actor Common at the cultural dinner at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 8, in the Bone Student Center Brown Ballroom.
Tickets, which must be purchased in advance, go on sale Wednesday, Jan. 26, at all three dining centers. Ticket sales will end on Wednesday, Feb. 2. The tickets are $12 for Illinois State students, faculty and staff who do not have a meal plan. For those with a meal plan, tickets are one meal swipe. For all others, tickets are $15.25 plus tax.
During this event, Common will talk about self empowerment, personal development, how hip-hop has changed American culture, and his opinions on making a difference in your community. This evening includes a meal prepared by Campus Dining Services, door prizes and a meet-and-greet opportunity with Common.
Common is known as one of hip-hop’s most poetic, respected lyricists, and for pushing the boundaries. He’s released seven albums, two of which he partnered with rap music megastar Kanye West to produce. This partnership resulted in four Grammy Award nominations in addition to being nominated for two MTV Video Music Awards including Best Hip Hop Video.
In 2006, Common made his big screen debut as a musical performer in Dave Chappelle’s Block Party. In January 2007, he made his acting debut co-starring opposite Jeremy Piven, Ben Affleck, Alicia Keys and Ryan Reynolds in Smokin’ Aces for Universal Pictures and writer/director Joe Carnahan. Since then he’s co-starred in American Gangster, Street Kings, Wanted and Terminator Salvation. Most recently he appeared in Date Night. He has also recently wrapped up his first lead role in Just Wright, starring opposite Queen Latifah.
