High Note
Global
Initiative
The High Note Global Initiative celebrates artists that promote social justice through their music. From education to extreme poverty, gender identity to racism, sexism to ageism, and environmental to personal health, musicians have been at the vanguard of the fight for human rights.
In order to inspire musicians to continue to use their artistic gifts to promote human rights around the world, The High Note Global Prize was created to celebrate an iconic artist every year who has promoted social justice causes for at least a decade.
2020 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.
2020 High Note
HONORS
The 2020 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
“On behalf of Rolling Stone, I’d like to join United Nations Human Rights in congratulating John Legend for being named the 2020 High Note Global Prize Recipient. As a tireless human rights champion who promotes social equality for all, John gives a voice to those who all too often have none.”
— Gus Wenner, President of Wenner Media
