Common Surprises Harlem Students With a $10,000 Donation for Supplies

Common teamed up with Burlington and AdoptAClassroom.org to ensure Harlem students will have the necessary school supplies.

Common (C) attends Adopt A Classroom Event
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NEW YORK, NY - JULY 20: Musican/actor Common (C) attends Adopt-A-Classroom Event at Renaissance School of the Arts on July 20, 2017 in New York City.

Common (C) attends Adopt A Classroom Event

Thanks to Common’s generosity, a group of Harlem students will be better equipped for the upcoming school days.

The Oscar- and Grammy-winning artist stopped by the Renaissance School of the Arts on Thursday with a $10,000 donation that will go towards supplies like calculators and science kits. According to the Associated Press, Common teamed up with Burlington Stores and AdoptAClassroom.org to present the gift.

“I always felt like one of my biggest duties and purposes is to hit the youth with something that’s inspiring, hit young people with something that can motivate them to be in their greatness,” the 45-year-old rapper told the AP.

Not only did Common present the check, he also took the time to share some words of encouragement, stressing the importance of good grades, perseverance, and pursuing dreams.

“It gave me a little bit more hope. It gave me that extra push,” said Jadon-Li M. Antoine, a 14-year-old who recited an original poem during Common’s visit.

The rapper’s mother, Dr. Mahalia Hines, also spoke during the visit. As an educator and member of the Chicago Board of Education, Hines addressed the importance of supplies and how many teachers have had to pay for them out of their own pockets.

“A lot of the materials you needed to teach, we weren’t given the money to do it so you just went out and bought your own,” she said. “If you had to have notebooks...you bought them because there were many lessons you definitely would have not been able to do without them.”

According to the AP, Burlington is accepting donations to help other schools across the country. Customers can donate $1 or more at all Burlington locations until Aug. 19.

 

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