QUEENS — Grammy- and Academy Award-winning rapper Common was in downtown Jamaica Tuesday to urge locals to vote on Nov. 8.
The rapper spoke to residents in Rufus King Park for a "Turn Up the Vote" event meant to promote voter registration before the upcoming general election.
The musician and actor who won the 2015 Academy Award for his song "Glory" from the 2014 film "Selma," said that performing in the movie made him “really appreciate being able to vote.”
“People died so that we could vote,” he said, adding that he actually avoided voting in the past because he didn't trust politicians.
But then he realized that some elected officials "come from the neighborhood" and represent local communities.
“I put the responsibility and accountability on you right now to know who is running for office locally, statewide and federally,” said Common, who also performed a cappella in his new song “Black America Again.”
“That’s gonna make the change that you want to happen," he said.
► READ MORE: Here's What You Need to Know Before You Go Vote on Nov. 8
► READ MORE: You Have Until Oct. 14 to Register to Vote in the 2016 General Election
Rapper Common with Erica Ford, the founder of LIFE Camp and Queens Borough President Melinda Katz. (DNAinfo/Ewa Kern-Jedrychowska)
Common was also joined by Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz.
“Almost half of the country is not voting,” he said.
Rapper Common and Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz. (DNAinfo/Ewa Kern-Jedrychowska)
“The country has been built not only on our democracy but on our participation,” Schultz added.
“If we are not happy with the state of play in Washington, with the dysfunction, the lack of leadership, if you are not happy with your representatives, the only way we can change that is to participate, and register and vote.”
Dozens of locals took their advice to heart and registered during the event, which was co-organized by Democracy Works, TurboVote, Starbucks and the rapper's Common Ground Foundation.
Chris Crayton, 24, a clerk at a nearby store, said, “It will be my first time voting. I believe it’s very important to have a voice and I will encourage others to register as well.”
Chris Crayton, 24, a clerk at a Jamaica store, registered to vote during an event at Rufus King Park Tuesday. (DNAinfo/Ewa Kern-Jedrychowska)
