John Legend Receives United Nations Human Rights' High Note Global Prize
December 11, 2020
Billboard
From: https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/9497861/john-legend-high-note-global-prize-united-nations-human-rights
To celebrate United Nations Human Rights Day on Thursday (Dec. 10), John Legend received the prestigious High Note Global Prize for social justice, presented by United Nations Human Rights, partner of the High Note Global Initiative and David Clark Cause.
The award honors recording artists who use their music and platform to promote social justice and positive change. Legend is an outspoken advocate for prison reform, voters' rights, healthcare, equality and education, among other causes.
“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," the singer said upon accepting his award. "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."
He went on to highlight his most recent campaign, #FreeAmerica, which works toward criminal justice reform. "As a citizen of the United States, and of the world, I know that for far too long our most essential systems have served to perpetuate inequity and injustice," he shared. "In order for us to create a just world those systems need to change."
"With this award we celebrate a multitude of advocates, generations of movement leaders who have put their shoulder to the wheel of progress," he concluded. "I don’t stand here absorbing these accolades for myself. I stand here grateful for their ideas and their energy and honored that I can amplify their voices by using my platform."
Watch Legend's full acceptance speech below.
Aryana Sayeed, Afghanistan’s well-known singer and women’s rights advocate, has been awarded the 2025 High Note Global Prize, an international honor supported by United Nations Human Rights, for her song “We Believe in Hope.”
The uplifting “We Believe in Hope” anthem by award-winning composer Jeff Beal, renowned Afghan artist and advocate Aryana Sayeed, and lyricist Joan Beal was inspired by the true story of Afghanistan’s courageous first all-female robotics team.
Joint Statement from United Nations Human Rights, the University of Oxford, the International Universities Climate Alliance, and the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance
Students and educators globally will come together virtually on 6 June for the Right Here Right Now Global Youth Climate Summit, hosted by Saïd Business School and UN Human Rights.
Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit to bring together global audiences online and in-person in June 2025 On World Environment Day (5 June), universities from around the world will host a global plenary discussion on human rights and climate change over 24 hours The University of Oxford announces a packed schedule of local events and activities, including public lectures, panel dis cussions, photography exhibits, and interactive workshops
In its eighth year, Call for Code presents a series of SDG-focused hackathons throughout the year, kicking off with a competition to build AI agents
Winning teams from Georgia Institute of Technology, University of Michigan, Persistent, and independent consultants developed AI-powered solutions to help improve equitable access to essential resources and opportunities
Khatia Buniatishvili, Felukah and Fally Ipupa performed intimate concert at the Recording Academy's New York Townhouse to help raise awareness for climate action
Celebrities Billie Jean King, Barbra Streisand, Neil Young, Ziggy Marley, Carole King, Annie Lennox, Cyndi Lauper, Pierce Brosnan, Jack Black, Laura Pausini, and more unite with United Nations Human Rights and leading universities to support upcoming global climate justice summit and call world attention to the human rights implications of the climate crisis.
© Copyright 2025 / David Clark Cause, Inc.