High Note
GLOBAL PRIZE
The High Note Global Prize is awarded annually to an extraordinary artist who has promoted social justice causes for over a decade. Since this unique global award is supported by United Nations Human Rights, it has been referred to as “The Nobel Prize in Music.”
High Note Global Prize
Recipient
John Legend
In recognition of his social justice advocacy throughout his career, John Legend has been named a High Note Global Prize Recipient. A life-long advocate for social equality, Legend created FREEAMERICA, an initiative that works to amplify the voices of those impacted by the criminal justice system, and those working to change it in an effort to challenge stereotypes, break down barriers, and end the era of mass incarceration.
COMMITTMENT TO SOCIAL JUSTICE
From a young age, John Legend advocated for social change. In an essay competition Legend won at age 15, he wrote of his dream to become a star recording artist and to use his influence and resources to give back to his community. And that is exactly what he has done – throughout his career, Legend has committed his time, energy, and resources to social justice and equality.
John Legend leaves the Travis County Correctional Complex in Austin, after visiting inmates and performing songs to promote FREEAMERICA.
For well over a decade, John Legend’s philanthropy and advocacy has focused on building just, equitable, and thriving communities. In 2007, Legend started The Show Me Campaign (showmecampaign.org), to give every child access to a quality education as well as address systemic issues in our criminal justice system that disproportionately impact the poor, minorities, and disadvantaged.
Most recently, Legend launched FREEAMERICA a multi-year culture change campaign focused on ending mass incarceration. FREEAMERICA works to amplify the voices of those impacted by the criminal justice system and those working to change it in an effort to challenge stereotypes, break down barriers, and end the era of mass incarceration.
