In America we have big issues with education - in impoverished communities especially. I work with Teach For All, and so we're encouraging more people to get into teaching.
John LegendRead
There are more black men incarcerated today than there were slaves in 1850.
Interpretation
This quote highlights the alarming rate of incarceration among black men compared to the historical context of slavery.
John Legend's quote draws a powerful parallel between the current mass incarceration of black men and the historical reality of slavery in the United States. It serves as a stark reminder of the systemic issues of racism and injustice that continue to plague society, emphasizing the urgent need for reform and awareness regarding the disproportionate impact of the legal system on black communities.
In practice
During a panel discussion on criminal justice reform, this quote can be used to illustrate the need for change.
In America we have big issues with education - in impoverished communities especially. I work with Teach For All, and so we're encouraging more people to get into teaching.
Hip-hop is one of the most free art forms there is. There's so many sounds you can use, so many things you can bring in. You never know, man. I bet years ago people would've never said they would hear me with Rick Ross, and we did four classic songs together.
For me as a songwriter, I love when other people cover my songs.
To have the chance to see your music be elevated and to have almost universally positive response to that music, makes me feel better every day. I feel more confident and inspired, and that's fun.
Why wouldn't I help? What good reason do I have as a human being with power and a sense of empathy and morality, why wouldn't I do something?
I wrote the song "Show Me" as a prayer to God asking simple, honest questions about life and death and why there is so much suffering in the world. As I grew with the song I realized I shouldn't limit these questions solely to God; I should ask those questions of others and of myself.
I will not vote for a candidate who thinks you can 'pray away the gay,' I will not vote for a candidate who thinks that he has more rights to my uterus than I do, I will not vote for a candidate who thinks that it's okay to dump toxic waste in the ocean.
When one meddles with the direction of a revolution, the problem is not how to make it go but how to keep it under control.
It happens over and over again—a group of people come together, fired up with passion to create change. They begin with huge inspiration and enthusiasm—and a year later, it’s all foundered in the mire of conflict. We could have changed the world ten times over—if we didn’t have to do it together with other people, those irritating, self-righteous, controlling, fluff-brained, clueless idiots who are our friends and allies.
Those who refused to respond to the new stimulus would perish. Adapt or perish.
Choose your corner, pick away at it carefully, intensely and to the best of your ability and that way you might change the world.
In too many communities, too many young men of color are left behind and seen only as objects of fear. Through initiatives like My Brother's Keeper, I'm personally committed to changing both perception and reality.
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