The NAACP hosted its 47th annual Image Awards at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium last night and John Legend was on hand to accept the group's prestigious President's Award for his years of public service. During the show, Legend was honored with a performance of his songs "Ordinary People" and the Oscar-winning theme to film Selma, "Glory." Later he took the stage himself to sing his hit number "All of Me" and shortly thereafter gave a tremendous speech about what it means to really be free.
Legend began by first thanking his wife Chrissy Teigan before quickly shifting to the heart of the matter. "We know that we stand on the shoulders of giants who risked their lives to bring us closer to true freedom," Legend said. "And of course, we are still fighting for freedom," he added, noting police injustice, before sending out an inspiring and positive message. "I'm hopeful that our generation will demand and achieve radical change in our lifetime."
He later alluded to the importance of the #BlackLiveMatter movement saying, "Our lives should, indeed, matter just as much as anyone else's. Fighting for justice isn't an act of hate, it's an act of love. So let's spread love, let's make the world a more beautiful and just place. We have so much opportunity, let's not waste it." Watch the full speech below.
