Common on Cover of Urban Influence Magazine

HIP-HOP ARTIST COMMON TAKES CENTER STAGE ON URBAN INFLUENCE MAGAZINE COVERAnnual Diversity & Inclusion Issue

October/November Diversity & Inclusion Cover

Chicago, IL (BlackNews.com) – Grammy-nominated artist Common sits down for an in-depth interview with Urban Influence Magazine (UIM), revealing that the hip-hop icon is nothing like his moniker. Best known for his socially conscious lyrics and attitude, the emerging actor and spokesmodel speaks out on a variety of topics for the annual Diversity & Inclusion issue, including his taken on how his career and philosophies have been shaped by numerous influences.

The October/November issue hits newsstands as Common’s seventh CD “Finding Forever” is burning up music charts nationwide, having debuted at the top of the Billboard chart, and just in time for the November release of his new movie, “American Gangster” with Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe.

In “Un-Common Perspectives from a Multi-Media Superstar,” Common discusses how diversity and inclusion are reflected in his music and have contributed to the success of his career. He credits his positive multi-cultural attitude to his Chicago upbringing and religion.

“Diversity is an expression of depth. Diversity is a beautiful thing to me. Inclusion is a great way to involve all things and to understand that we all are one,” he said. Common elaborates, “Inclusion is more a thought process; a way of saying we’re all in tune with one another until we all are one. (Inclusion) is the completion of diversity. Once you realize the beauty of diversity, inclusion becomes the completion.”

In the three-page spread, Common does not shy away from controversial topics, including the growing debate surrounding the call for censorship of rap music lyrics. Learn what the man, born Lonnie Rashid Lynn, has to say about censorship, the media and immigration. Also, read about the musical legends that inspire him and his choice for the next president in the debut of the “Influential Thoughts” feature on the magazine’s website (www.urbaninfluencemagazine.com)

Entertainment & Influence Profile:

While hip-hop has been classified as a male-dominated genre, it was a woman who has been instrumental in its evolution of the billion-dollar industry on the Internet. In “Felicia Palmer Is ‘4Control’ of Hip-Hop Online,” meet the co-founder and president of 4Control Media who created www.SOHH.com (Support Online Hip Hop). www.SOHH.com, hip-hop music’s longest running and largest online portal, generating more than 1.4 million visits per month.

Diversity & Inclusion:

The term “diversity” at one point only encompassed women and minorities. But in 2007, diversity now includes age, disability and sexual orientation. “The New Meaning of Diversity” explores diversity in corporate America and highlights how the best practices of Fortune 500 companies now factor in a wider range of diversity considerations.

As educational institutions continue to integrate, the relevance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities is becoming a major issue. “HBCU Enrollment Reveals Students Becoming “Lighter” tackles the evolving faces of HBCU’s and the impact diversity has on these schools.

The age-old question of “why” is taking a new role when it comes to cross-cultural communication. “Fostering Diversity and Inclusion Means Asking “Y?” highlights the website www.yforum.com, hosted by The National Forum on People’s Differences. The website, which has gained global media attention, allows people to anonymously submit questions and answers about race, sex, religion and other topics typically considered taboo for small talk and mixed company.

Inside the League:

In “Real Diversity and Inclusion: The Opportunity Compact: Blueprint for Economic Equality,” Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial addresses the new challenges of diversity and inclusion with a global perspective. Specifically, Morial questions how America’s children will be affected and how the Urban League’s Opportunity Compact can help.

“National Urban League Young Professionals Tap Houston Attorney As President” provides a glimpse into the vision of Cassye D. Cook, who was elected by more than 3,500 young professionals members during the NUL annual conference in St. Louis. “The time is here for us to solidify our stability through our brand, our programs, our advocacy and our activism,” shares Cook. “It’s an honor to be chosen to lead the organization through this next phase of growth.”

Business Center:

“The Growth and Development of Black-Owned Hotels” challenges African-American entrepreneurs to enter the lodging industry — the second most profitable industry behind health care.

The 2007 October/November issue is available at newsstands, including Borders, Waldenbooks, Hastings and Follett bookstores for the sales price of $3.99.

Visit www.urbaninfluencemagazine.com and subscribe today!
Urban Influence Magazine is a nationally distributed publication targeting progressive African-American professionals with a message of building wealth through social change. An official publication of the National Urban League, Urban Influence Magazine speaks to the critical link between individual and community wealth and social responsibility, as well as provides information concerning latest trends in business, politics, and lifestyle for “urban influencers.”