Chicago rapper Common has been added to London’s anti-racist festival, Rise: London United. The event is Europe’s largest anti-racism festival, taking place in Finsbury Park.
The rapper, known for his conscious lyrics and positive stance, joins London rapper Sway, Killa Kela, DJ Kayper, jazz legend Roy Ayers, The Wailers, Graham Coxon, Buzzcocks, MC Inja and others.
The free festival is organized by London Mayor Ken Livingstone to combat racism and celebrate diversity in London. The event is being staged with the National Assembly Against Racism and TUC, South East Region.
Rise is a free festival organized by London Mayor Ken Livingstone to combat racism and celebrate London’s diversity, in partnership with the National Assembly Against Racism and TUC South East Region.
“Racist ideas have been used to justify some of the worst crimes in history – slavery, the holocaust, apartheid, segregation, murders and lynchings,” Mayor Livingstone told AllHipHop.com in a statement. “From the great racist crimes in history to bullying in the school playground and vicious tabloid news coverage, racist ideas have to be opposed because they disfigure our society and hold us back from our real potential as human beings. Policies to combat racism and celebrate our diversity are a permanent part of the work of London government, but Rise: London United is one visible part of that fight, and one that gives us all the chance to unite and enjoy the range of experiences and cultures that give our city its character.”
Comedians Ninia Benjamin, Shazia Mirza, Nathan Caton and Kojo will provide humor for the crowd in the comedy tent as well.