Dwyane Wade Teams Up with Common to Support Black Youth in Chicago

Dwyane Wade Teams Up with Common to Support Black Youth in Chicago

The Bronzeville neighborhood in Chicago has developed a reputation of being one of the city’s roughest areas. Several horrific crimes have taken place there in the last few years. However, the Lighthouse Youth Center has provided a haven for kids who are looking to express themselves while living in the midst of the turmoil occurring in their neighborhood.

On Thursday, NBA All-Star Dwyane Wade and his Wade’s World Foundation  teamed up with rapper Common, and his Common Ground Foundation to make a $100,000 donation to the Lighthouse Youth Center. Founded by Pastor Hannah, the Lighthouse Youth Center seeks to develop the talents of kids who are interested in performing arts, business, and culinary arts.


Before the check presentation several kids hit the stage to sing, dance and perform poetry in front of Wade, Common, and, Wade’s girlfriend, Gabrielle Union. After the performances, Wade and Common commended the youth members on their talents and offered them words of encouragement.


“For me there is a personal connection to this initiative. Before moving to Robbins, my family lived on 59th and Prairie, just down the street from the Lighthouse,” says Wade. “I know first hand how much this community needs safe havens like this. And coming together with a tremendous talent like Common is the perfect kick-off for what I hope will be a tremendous weekend of giving back to our communities.”

Common echoed Wade’s sentiments by saying, “Growing up on the South side of Chicago, it has always been a priority of mine to give back to our youth,” says Common. “I remember speaking to a group of teenagers in the Chi a while ago and I asked them what they wanted. They said they wanted ‘a place to come to where they could stay off the street and out of trouble, to learn tools for life, and feel a sense of family and support.'”


The check presentation was the kick-off to Wade’s World Weekend in Chicago. Wade hosted several celebrity parties and a youth talent show to raise money for his foundation. -amir shaw




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