High Note HONORS
The High Note Global Prize was proudly presented to John Legend on December 10th — United Nations Human Rights Day for his long-standing commitment to fighting for social justice and human rights for all.
“I am both proud and humbled to be this year’s recipient of the High Note Global Prize. Thank you for this honor.
I believe in the power of music to inspire us, to connect our hearts, to give voice to feelings for which words alone won’t suffice, to wake us up out of complacency, to galvanize and fuel social movements.
Artists have a rich tradition of activism. We have a unique opportunity to reach people where they are, beyond political divisions, borders, and silos. And it’s been my privilege to use my voice and my platform to advance the cause of equity and justice.”
— John Legend, Acceptance Speech Excerpt
High Note Global Prize
Recipient
John Legend
Critically acclaimed, platinum-selling singer-songwriter John Legend has garnered ten GRAMMY Awards, an Academy Award, an Emmy Award, a Tony Award, a Golden Globe - and is now the recipient of the High Note Global Prize, for his life-long advocacy of social justice. Most recently, Legend created FREE AMERICA, 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.
CELEBRITY TRIBUTE
In order to honor John and his FREEAMERICA campaign, a global social-medial campaign was launched on December 10th – Human Rights Day, a day supported by the 193 Member States of the United Nations. Celebrities who helped honor John included his wife Chrissy Teigan, LL Cool J, Trevor Noah, DJ Khaled, Meghan Trainor, Blake Shelton, Alice Cooper, Robin Thicke and many others.
