ARTICLE by LADY KOOTORE contact ladykootore@flypaperblog.com

Lonnie Rashid Lynn Jr., better known as Common has been in the game for years and he is showing us that he isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Not only is he doing music, but he has appeared on a few television shows, made a few movies, and he has launched the Common Ground Foundation, which is a foundation to make an effort to encourage and inspire youth to read.

THAT’S WHAT I’M TALKING ABOUT! Now he has branched off of the Common Ground Foundation and started The Corner, a national online book club. This interactive platform provides youth across the country with an opportunity to discuss current reading selections, and fosters the development of critical thinking skills. NOW THAT’S HOT! The Corner provides students ages 13-18, to learn about and discuss similar reading materials. His team works with a list of recommended books that send out messages of tolerance, compassion and non-violent expressions of achieving social justice. Common stated, “I started the Common Ground Foundation because I wanted to help. Most of all help people to help themselves.

I always believed that if we started with the youth then we would be planting the seeds for our future to blossom. Give the children a sense of hope, self-esteem and love that will better the world.” THIS MAN IS AMAZING! THAT IS WHY HE IS MY IDEAL HUSBAND! HE GETS ME ALL TINGLY INSIDE!

Teens are able to follow the recommended book of the month, blog with other members about similar topics and have the opportunity to participate in a live online chat with Common Ground Foundation staff. Celebrities will be interviewed each month and talk about their favorite books and why reading is so important to them. Also, each year the foundation will sponsor a national “Common Ground Challenge” for their book club members. The winners of that challenge will get a chance to meet Common and their essay will be posted on The Common Ground Foundation website. The Foundation is also committed to provide a college scholarship as an award for first prize. Through the exposure and the participation in educational endeavors, The Common Ground Foundation creates a positive atmosphere for learning and understanding. Their mission is to empower the youth in urban neighborhoods all across America.

This man is amazing! Words cannot explain how much this man has done for the community and for the rap game. We here at the Fly Paper (especially me) appreciate all that you are doing. Keep up the good work my brother! Be sure to catch him in his new flick “Wanted” alongside Angelina Jolie and Morgan Freeman. Also, be on the lookout for his new album “Invincible Summer” coming soon.

You can check out The Common Ground Foundation and sign up at www.commongroundfoundation.org