Blog

BackList is an editorial partner of Common's new teen literacy initiative. Check out the press release below. And of course, encourage young people to join THE CORNER. It's free and easy. 
                            
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MUSIC ARTIST COMMON ANSWERS AMERICA'S "CALL TO ACTION" WITH FIRST NATIONAL ONLINE BOOK CLUB TO PROMOTE TEEN LITERACY
Program Created in Part with Grant received by Best Buy's @15

March 9, 2009 (San Francisco, CA)  In an effort to encourage and inspire youth to read and use the power of their voice, Grammy® winner, actor and children's author  Common, launches the first national online book club at www.commongroundfoundation.org/thecorner.html. The Corner book club is an interactive way for 8th-12th grade students to learn and to talk about reading materials that are relevant to their life.

Each month, The Corner educational team chooses a book-of-the-month that conveys messages of tolerance, compassion and non-violent expressions of achieving social justice. Through lively discussions about the world of books through "Let's Talk," The Corner book club blog, members are encouraged to discuss, debate, critique, and comment on the selected material. A monthly spotlight of celebrity interviews focus on artists' favorite books, why reading is important to them and issues that teens face today. The questions come right from The Corner youth members. In addition, members have the opportunity to participate in a live online chat with the author of the monthly book selection, which further strengthens relationship between young people and reading.

Common explains, "My mom was a teacher, and growing up she always stressed the importance of education.  So when I look back it's not a surprise for me to use words as a tool to make change, and to inspire children for the future." 

For March, War Child by Emmanuel Jal, is the featured "book-of-the-month".  War Child is the true story of Emmanuel Jal's experiences as a child soldier in Sudan, before being rescued by a British aid worker, and his near-miraculous rise to international stardom as an African hip-hop artist.  The book was released by St. Martin's Press in February 2009 and Jal's interview can be read in Chloe's Corner on The Corner website.

The Corner book club reaches out to parents, educators, librarians and youth providers, through a dedicated email list where ideas and suggestions can be submitted and discussed in regards to reading promotions, ideas and books. 
The Common Ground Foundation continues to show support through partnerships, events and programs reaching many dynamic groups. Recent initiatives have included the recipient of Cartier's LOVE Charity program; the Chicago White Sox's - Common Ground Foundation day at Cellular Field; the Emmy-award nominated "A Minute" campaign, and the Common and Friends "Start the Show and Bowl" fundraiser in Chicago that featured Will.i.am, Lupe Fiasco, The Roots, Talib Kweli, Bilal and many other artists.

About The Common Ground Foundation
The Common Ground Foundation is extremely committed to the empowerment and development of urban youth in the United States. Through exposure and participation in educational endeavors, the Common Ground Foundation creates a positive atmosphere for learning and understanding and fulfills objectives of increased learning outcomes in reading and writing.  For more information, please visit www.commongroundfoundation.org.


About @15
Best Buy believes in the power of teens, and @15 is a new platform to connect with them, give voice to their perspectives, and invest our resources - including the energy and talents of our employees - to turn their ideas into action and support their efforts to lead social change. Teens bring passion and enthusiasm to tackling tough issues.  They're also important to our business - they shop in our stores, and they're our future employees. There's a real opportunity to listen to - and learn from - what teens have to say.  And through the @15 Fund, we'll put the philanthropic power of @15 directly into their hands.  To learn more, visit www.at15.org.
###