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.
The free, one-day
festival will also feature winners of the London United London poetry slam,
selected by The Poetry Society and the Mayor of Livingstone earlier this year.
Rise: London United
takes place in Finsbury Park on Saturday 8th July 2006.