Hip-Hop Artist and Actor Common To Visit Norfolk State Campus in April

Norfolk State University will continue its series of unique educational lectures next month when popular Hip-Hop Artist/Actor Common will visit the campus to speak with the students in a discussion about success and greatness.

The artist and actor will speak on Tuesday, April 8, at 7 p.m. at the L. Douglas Wilder Performing Arts Center. The event is a part of NSU’s Leadership, Educational and Development Speaker Series (L.E.A.D.) that challenges traditional lectures through a contemporary approach to engage students in powerful, interactive discussions surrounding contemporary topics with notable members of the local, regional and national communities.

Jonathan Walker, assistant dean of students and director of Living and Learning Communities at NSU, said Common will speak about success and greatness from a broad perspective. He said the theme for the series this semester is “Empowering Student Leaders for Success.”

Walker said prior to the event, the artist would visit with several student leaders on campus. Afterwards, Common will be the featured guest at a reception on campus and meet with a small group of selected students.

“Having Common visit the University aligns with the overarching theme of empowering student leaders,” Walker said. “This will give students a chance to engage with someone who is successful in his craft.”

Common is celebrated by music and pop culture critics for his brand of “conscious hip-hop” that features thoughtful lyrics and wordplay. The rapper has also become popular in recent years for his acting roles in films such as “Just Wright” and “American Gangster.” He has also received recognition for his philanthropic work in his hometown of Chicago, Ill.

The event is free and open to the public, but a ticket is required to attend. For ticket information, call 757-823-9009.