“Socially conscious rap superstar Common is a modern-day renaissance man.”—Apple Music

The Charlotta Bass Journalism & Justice Lab—USC’s first Black media studies center­—is thrilled to honor Common at the second annual Charlotta Bass Media Trailblazer Speaker Series event. The Academy Award–, Emmy-, and Grammy-winning artist, actor, author, and activist continues to break down barriers with a multitude of critically acclaimed roles and success in all aspects of his career. In his brand-new book, And Then We Rise: A Guide to Loving and Taking Care of Self, Common draws on his own experience of pursuing wellness as a crucial element of his success. 

“For Black women and Black men in America, self-care is a revolutionary act,” Common writes. “When you're working against dark forces, you’ve got to prepare yourself so that you can step forward with everything you’ve got.”

This special evening celebrating Common’s crucial messages of health, hope, and healing will include a conversation moderated by USC Annenberg associate professor, Bass Lab founder, and award-winning author Allissa V. Richardson, and will be introduced by USC Vice Provost for the Arts Josh Kun. An audience Q&A and book signing will follow.