The Grammy winner gave an impassioned speech in protection of civil rights on Tuesday night time, whereas being honored with the Icon Award through the NAACP Authorized Protection Fund’s thirty fourth Nationwide Equal Justice Awards Dinner.
“A girl’s proper to regulate her physique, the appropriate to vote and our treasured civil liberties are beneath assault,” Marvel stated to the viewers. “Do you know that? Do you all know that? With out query. America is at a time of disaster, please hear me loud and clear. We should proceed to face collectively.”
Marvel, who was introduced his award by actress Rita Moreno, went on to say, “Let me be clear, America is true, stands robust as a world chief as a fighter for democracy world wide, but it surely should not overlook to battle the warfare in poverty right here in america of America. It should present healthcare and schooling for our youngsters and grandchildren, as effectively it should liberate itself from the hate speech and practices which are destroying the promise of America and that’s equal rights and justice for all. Let me finish with the phrases of Justice Marshall, ‘While you see one thing incorrect or inequality or injustice, communicate out as a result of that is your nation, that is your democracy. Make it. Shield it. Go it on.’ It will likely be all good.”
Marvel was later joined on stage by John Legend. The 2 carried out a duet of Legend’s hit “Odd Folks,” as New York Metropolis’s Jazz at Lincoln Middle erupted into cheers.
Different honorees included journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones, and LDF’s former president Sherrilyn Ifill.