Press Release
Shadow Play Entertainment, Conversations Book Club and The Write Stuff Reality Show are pleased to announce their support of The Common Ground Foundation as part of their literacy campaign.
The Common Ground Foundation was created by Hip Hop artist, actor and children’s book author Lonnie Rashid Lynn, known as “Common”. Common’s social-conscience message is the cornerstone of the Foundation’s vision and serves as an inspiration for equality, opportunity and hope among youth in underserved communities. The Foundation is committed to empowering youth in urban neighborhoods and providing life skills needed to achieve their dreams.
The Common Ground Foundation’s “Read for Change” program addresses the national problem of illiteracy among urban youth. In an effort to encourage and inspire youth to read and to use the power of their voice, the Common Ground Foundation has launched The Corner, a national online book club. This platform provides youth across the country with an opportunity to discuss current reading selections, while fostering the development of critical thinking skills. It was this program that got the attention of Conversations Book Club Founder Cyrus A. Webb.
“I am excited about the work that The Common Ground Foundation is doing for young people, especially when it come to encouraging reading and the arts,” says Webb, 33. He contacted the foundation’s Executive Director, Jodie Blum, and informed her of his desire to partner with Common Ground in promoting literacy. Webb, who is also the Creator and Host of The Write Stuff Reality Show, will be hosting literary meet and greets throughout the country beginning in May 2009 and wanted to make a donation towards the foundation during its stop in San Francisco, CA.
“As part of our effort to support the Common Ground Foundation’s work, we are pleased to donate $1500 in books to be used as the organization sees fit,” says Webb. “It is our hope that this will aide in the work they are doing as well as encourage other groups to support them in whatever way they can.”
The public is invited to this event that will be held in San Francisco on Friday, May 29, 2009 at the San Francisco Marriott (55 Fourth St. * San Francisco, CA 94103) from 6-9p.m. Also present will be New York Times Bestselling author Scott Sigler, Derrick Hargrove and Nikki Shallwani from MTV’s show 50 CENT: The Money & The Power as well as other supporters of The Write Stuff Reality Show and literacy in general. Jodie Blum of the Common Ground Foundation will be present to receive the donation of $1500 in books as well as to be recognized for the work she is doing through the organization.
Blum had this to say: “We are honored to partner with The Write Stuff Reality Show in an effort to encourage and inspire youth and young adults to read and to use the power of their voice.”
To see how you can assist the Common Ground Foundation, call 1.415.571.8975 or visit http://www.commongroundfoundation.org.
