Common Shouts Out Ohio’s HBCUs at Ohio Black Expo Event

Common showed love for Ohio’s rich Black heritage with a powerful HBCU shoutout that had the crowd vibing at the Riverfront Culture Fest.

Common and Pete Rock: The Auditorium Tour - Atlanta, GA — Source: Paras Griffin / Getty

Common lit up the stage at the Ohio Black Expo with more than just his presence. He dropped a heartfelt line that hit home:
“My mother went to Central State, my father went to Wilberforce.”

If you know, you know. These are two of Ohio’s most respected HBCUs. The crowd loved it — a proud moment of #BlackExpollence on full display.

Common has deep roots in Ohio. He spent time in Cincinnati with his cousin, and that’s where the spark started. That’s where he first began writing rhymes. That spark? It lit the path to his legendary career.

From the Riverfront to Chicago, Common’s story connects cities, families, and cultures. His shoutout wasn’t just for show — it was love, legacy, and pride all wrapped into one moment.

Common Shouts Out Ohio’s HBCUs at Ohio Black Expo Event was originally published on wzakcleveland.com