One of the most personally meaningful awards Common has received is also the least known. But that doesn't bother this dedicated hip-hop star, actor and social activist, who is the first rap artist to ever win an Oscar, a Grammy and an Emmy.
On June 15, at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York, he received the Harry Belafonte Voices for Social Justice Award. It was a heady honor for Common, whose most recent albums, 2020's "Beautiful Revolution Pt. 1" and last year's "Beautiful Revolution Pt. 2," were made (in his words) to "uplift, heal and inspire listeners dealing with racial injustices as well as other social injustices."
"Harry is one of my greatest guiding lights and inspirations," said Common, who is only the second recipient of the Belafonte award. The first, presented in May, was given to voting rights champion — and current Georgia gubernatorial candidate — Stacey Abrams.
