CNN
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Stevie Wonder sounds the alarm about deteriorating civil rights in America.
The Grammy winner delivered an impassioned speech in defense of civil rights Tuesday night as he was honored with the Icon Award at the NAACP Legal Defense Fund’s 34th National Equal Justice Awards Dinner.
“A woman’s right to control her body, the right to vote and our precious civil liberties are under attack,” Wonder told the audience. “Did you know? Do you all know? Without a doubt. America is in a time of crisis, please hear me loud and clear. We must stand together.”
Wonder, who received his award from actress Rita Moreno, continued: “Let me be clear, America is right, standing strong as a world leader as a fighter for democracy around the world, but it must not forget to fight against the war in poverty here in the United States of America. It must provide our children and grandchildren with health care and education, and it must also free itself from the hate speech and practices that destroy America’s promise of equal rights and justice for all. end with the words of Justice Marshall: “If you see something wrong or inequality or injustice, speak up, because this is your country, this is your democracy. Make it. Protect it. Pass it on.” It will be all right.”
Wonder was later joined onstage by John Legend. The two performed a duet of Legend’s hit “Ordinary People,” while New York City’s Jazz at Lincoln Center erupted to cheers.
Other honors have included journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones and LDF’s former president Sherrilyn Ifill.
