Almost 1,000 ticket purchasers were disappointed when the Sept. 28 Lyceum book signing and lecture
featuring rapper-actor and Florida A&M Alumnus Common was postponed last week.
According to FAMU’s Director of Media Relations Pamela Tolson, the event was pushed back because of
a time conflict that forces the artist to be in California for a few days. However, Common is determined to come and is looking at a rescheduled date in November, Tolson said. The lecture, which was scheduled to take place in Lee Hall, was to discuss the artist’s new book “One Day It’ll All Make Sense.”
Tickets cost $5 – $20, depending on the location of the seat. There were 300 student tickets reserved for students who went to the ticket box early.
Jason Anderson, a junior psychology student from Tallahassee, received one of the 300 free tickets and was shocked after finding out the lecture had been delayed.
“I wanted to attend because he is a FAMU alumnus and a success story,” said Anderson.
“I plan on trying to make the new date.”
Common, whose real name is Lonnie Rashid Lynn Jr., attended FAMU for two years after receiving a scholarship to study business administration. He later left to pursue a career in music. The Chicago native is a Grammy award winning rapper, actor, activist and author.
His latest endeavor is a memoir named after his 1997 album and made the New York Times best sellers list. The book invites readers into his life by explaining his journey in the music industry, his childhood, relationships and more.
Brittney Camy, a first-year criminal justice student from Orlando, purchased the book the day it came out and read it in preparation for his arrival.
“Having him visit, sign my book and taking a picture with him was going to be awesome,”
said Camy. “I’m sad that the date has been pushed back, but he is worth the wait.”
Common’s stop at FAMU is one of many this year to promote his book. Other locations include Atlanta, Tampa, Baltimore and Chicago. Those who purchased tickets can receive a refund from Ticketmaster outlets or from the FAMU ticket office.
Individuals also can keep their ticket for use on the rescheduled date. For more information about the 2011-2012 Lyceum season, which will feature the Clark Sisters, Moscow Festival Ballet, Dance Theatre of Harlem and Munich Symphony, contact the Office of Communications at 850-599-3413. Lyceum is sponsored in part by the Lyceum Series Patron Society and other businesses.