Rapper, actor and activist Common is all about the people. Next month, the Chicago-born performer is planning a free concert on Capitol Mall in Sacramento to raise awareness about criminal justice reform and push for the passage of three bills that would give more rights to juvenile offenders and revamp the state’s bail system.
“As an artist, I believe it is my duty to fight injustice wherever it appears and take a stand for my fellow brothers and sisters. I believe it is my responsibility to use my platform to amplify the courageous voices of the movement and support the most marginalized members of our society,” Common told The Sacramento Bee.
The show—dubbed the "Imagine Justice" event—is scheduled for August 21 at 5pm and 10,000 people are expected to attend. Billboards promoting the event will go up around Sacramento this week.
Common will also perform a second concert for inmates inside a nearby prison, which would be Common's fifth concert inside a California prison this year.