In light of black culture and entertainment gaining recognition at The Oscars, John Legend and Common became a huge topic after winning Best Song for their duet, ‘Glory’ from the film Selma. The song is emotional, powerful and references recent events in Ferguson, Missouri. Their acceptance speech was arguably the most relevant moment of the evening. Common began with:
“Recently John and I got to go to Selma and perform Glory on the same bridge that Dr.King and the people of the Civil Rights movement marched on 50 years ago.
This bridge was once a landmark of a divided nation, but now it’s a symbol for change. […]This bridge was built on hope, welded with compassion and elevated by love for all human beings.”
John Legend continued:
“Nina Simone said, “It’s an artist’s duty to reflect the times in which we live.” […] The struggle for justice is right now […]There are more Black men under correctional control today than were under slavery in 1850. […]We want to tell you that we are with you, we see you, we love you, and march on.God bless you.”
Legend’s passion for the Civil Rights Movement was apparent and his speech confirms that there is still change required in America, in order to overcome injustice and the ongoing struggle for dignity. He lends his voice to all the incarcerated black men who are silenced.
Both Common and John Legend used their speech as a platform to discuss important areas for change. The speeches wasted no time in emphasising the significance of Selma in the present day.
Legend’s observation of the number of black men incarcerated, draws attention to the harsh reality of racism in America, and that the fight for racial equality is far from over. The truth-telling speech spoke volumes, as it caused listeners to reflect and strive for change.
At this year’s Oscar’s Selma was the only film with black actors nominated, and no black actors, actresses or directors were nominated, sparking the Twitter trend OscarsSoWhite.
You can read Ava DuVernay, Selma’s black female director’s take on this in the March Issue of Pride Magazine, available in stores next week.
By Nafisah Boateng
