Common has teamed
with Viacom and The Kaiser Family Foundation as the spokesman for ‘The Know Is
Spreading’ campaign, which aims to normalize HIV/AIDS testing as part of routine
health care.
Common, whose uncle succumbed to AIDS, contributed four original
spoken word compositions to the campaign, which launched on Viacom properties
CBS, UPN, MTV, Nick at Nite, VH1, BET, TV Land, Comedy Central, Spike TV and
Showtime today (Sept 27).
“I’ve witnessed firsthand the effects of HIV/AIDS and
realized the difference self-love and support from the community can make,”
Common said in a statement. “I also know how much of an influence we as
hip-hop artists have on our audiences, so I wanted to share my self and my talents
to help open the eyes and hearts of young people to the importance of testing."
The campaign is also being launched simultaneously across 178
Infinity Broadcasting radio stations.
Billboards in English and Spanish and ads on buses and in bus
shelters launched in the United States’ top markets today as well.
The campaign also includes artwork by The Barnstormers, a collective
of New York- and Tokyo-based artists, who transformed a city block in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania into a temporary canvas of artistic images that are featured in
the national “The Know is Spreading” PSA’s campaign and website.
For more information
log on: http://www.spreadtheknow.com/