Common is doing his part in educating people about the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The artist formally known as Sense is joining with Viacom Inc. and the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation to present a series of PSA’s encouraging HIV testing as part of the KNOW HIV/AIDS campaign.
“It was really important for me to be involved with a campaign that is raising awareness of HIV/AIDS. I had an uncle succumb to HIV, so I’ve personally felt the impact of the disease,” Common said. “It’s important for everyone to be aware that this disease doesn’t just affect a single race or sexual orientation.”
The “Knowing is Beautiful” PSAs are scenes featuring Common’s original spoken word narrating intimate and reflective moments between individuals. The characters wear a small adhesive bandage that indicates an HIV test, and Common‘s poetics serve to reveal the empowerment of being tested for the disease. The ads will cover billboards and can even be heard on the radio.
“The ‘Knowing is Beautiful’ campaign was especially important to me because I’m a true advocate of taking care of and loving ourselves, and that’s really what this campaign is about,” Common said.
Renowned spoken word artists Black Ice and Bassey Ikipi also contribute their voices to the cause.
AD LOADING...
Common’s BE album is still in progress and word is that the likes of Kanye West, 9th Wonder and the Soulquarians will handle the production. No release date has been set as of yet.
