Martin Sheen heads to Chicago for favorite causes

It’s no secret that Martin Sheen often hits the road to boost charitable, social or political causes near and dear to the actor. The actor will be in Chicago, beginning at the end of the month to boost a couple of programs about which he feels strongly.

†First up will be the first ever “We Day” in Illinois — with Sheen joining Illinois natives Common, Jennifer Hudson and Marlee Matlin, plus Selena Gomez, The Band Perry, Magic Johnson and Kweku Mandela, the grandson of the late South African president Nelson Mandela. “We Day” will take place on Thursday, April 30 at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont. The event brings together approximately 15,000 young people who have participated in programs that are driven by a passion for change. “We Day” is a full day of educational speeches, inspirational moments and high-spirited performances by the famous entertainers.

†On Friday, May 1, Sheen will be the keynoter at a special breakfast being held at the Cinespace movie studio in Chicago. The event will benefit Arise Chicago, the organization that is led by Rev. C.J. Hawking. Arise is a group that works to build partnerships between faith communities and workers — aiming to fight injustice in the work place. Sheen has long been a strong advocate for the rights of labor and workers in general.