Many gathered far and wide for an unforgettable night of celebration, appreciation, and reminiscence in honor of the Common Ground Foundation’s 25th Anniversary Gala, Chicago Nights: Brighter Futures.
The A-list event was well-attended, featuring extraordinary leaders who are also working to change the lives of young people through their numerous acts of service.
Founded by Grammy and Academy Award–winning artist Common (Lonnie Rashid Lynn) and his mother, Dr. Mahalia Hines — the organization’s president, an educator, philanthropist, and advocate — the Foundation has become a beacon of hope, mentorship, and opportunity. Through programs centered on education, mental health, and leadership development, Common Ground Foundation continues to help young people discover who they are and what they can become.
Held at The Geraghty, an elevated event space that promises elegance and prestige. The co-founders, along with their powerful village of supporters, together raised over $1.5 million, one of the Foundation’s highest totals to date. Hosted by Cedric the Entertainer and Anthony Anderson, the duo’s humor kept hearts light and spirits high, and the evening shimmered with laughter, an appreciation of service, and gratitude.
Guests like Jennifer Hudson, Boris Kodjoe, J. Ivy, Melody Spann-Cooper, Phyllis Lockett, Roberta Shields, and Angel Webb Reese filled the room — proof that Common’s mission continues to inspire his supporters and believers across generations and industries. There were also virtual appearances by Magic Johnson and Ludacris, who both shared words of wisdom and well-wishes that filled the room with awe and joy.
Reflections of Faith and Resilience
True to its mission, “The Common Ground Foundation is dedicated to empowering youth from high-potential communities to become future leaders.” The organization has been a guiding force, transforming the lives of young people across Chicagoland — from those once uncertain of their potential to those simply needing someone to help ignite it.
Starting as a summer camp serving 28 youth, the Foundation has grown into one that’s touched the lives of more than 25,000—an outstanding feat accomplished through dedication and a relentless pursuit of impact.
Common reflected on the journey that brought him to the place he is now mentally and physically — “You’ve got to give them [youth] what you’ve already overcome,” he said. “It ain’t always going to be easy; you get victories, and the next month you feel like a failure. But go for it anyway.”
Actor Boris Kodjoe shared a moving reminder: “Our youth are everything, they’re all we’ve got. We must do a better job investing in them. Rashid (Common) and his mother have filled a gap where government often fails, bridging divides for marginalized youth and helping them find their purpose, talent, and path to the future.”
Dr. Hines, radiant with pride, thanked the community — those who give, volunteer, and amplify the Foundation’s work — reminding everyone that its success is rooted in collective effort.
The Power of the Village
It was evident that the spirit of unity echoed throughout the evening. Actor and alumnus Khalil Everage shared, “It definitely takes a village. There aren’t many actors from my neighborhood, but Common Ground dug us out. I wouldn’t be here today without my village.”
Common echoed the sentiment: “The reason I’m even able to be here is because of education. We wanted that to be the Foundation for young people to feel cared for and to know they have a village looking out for them.”
A Legacy That Grows
Under the leadership of Executive Director Karl Kemp, the Foundation’s mission continues to expand.
“It’s amazing to see the seeds we’ve planted grow into our alumni and programming,” Kemp shared. “Seeing our supporters and alumni return lets me know we’re doing the right work.”
For 25 years, Common Ground has proven that mentorship and community can change destinies. A fabric of their identity was rooted in honoring those who led said change.
From honoring legends like Dr. Maya Angelou, Harry Belafonte, Magic Johnson, Danny Glover, Keke Palmer, and Sherri Shepherd to empowering tomorrow’s leaders, Common Ground’s story is one of faith, family, and forward motion. As the evening closed and the anticipated moment of who’d be pinned with the honor of recognition for their service and contributions to building the next generation, Dr. Hines broke tradition and honored every attendee with a commemorative pin symbolizing collective achievement and shared purpose.
It’s a true testament to a growing legacy, one that takes a village, requires commitment, and is sincere.
Entertainment for the Night
It’s no surprise that an event honoring a creative force like Common—an artist whose influence spans music, film, and philanthropy—delivered an evening filled with soul, rhythm, and inspiration.
Upon entering The Geraghty, guests were greeted by the smooth sounds of live music that set the perfect tone—vibrant enough to energize the space, yet balanced enough to allow conversations to flow with ease. The atmosphere was electric yet elegant, a reflection of Chicago’s cultural heartbeat.
The Opal Staples Orchestra commanded the stage with a dynamic performance that blended the soulful energy of jazz, the classic spirit of Mr. Kelly’s and The Cotton Club, and the modern pulse of R&B and hip-hop. Each note carried the crowd through waves of nostalgia and joy, reminding everyone of the city’s deep musical roots.
A touching highlight came when artist Debra Hand—creator of the Foundation’s signature award—presented the founders with a special tribute gift, a symbolic gesture of gratitude and legacy that captured the essence of the evening.
As the night continued, DJs Jay Illa and Joe Blendz kept the celebration alive with sets that brought guests to their feet, turning the gala into a true Chicago-style celebration—where art, purpose, and rhythm moved as one.
A Night to Remember
As the evening came to a close, the Chicago Nights: Brighter Futures 25th Anniversary Gala stood as more than a celebration of 25 years—it was a tribute to legacy and community.
Because when one child rises, so does the village that believed in them. It was, indeed, a night to remember.
