The NPR Politics Podcast John Legend On His Criminal Justice Activism
May 28, 2022
In this engaging discussion, John Legend, an award-winning musician and passionate activist, shares his campaign for criminal justice reform. He emphasizes the vital role of progressive prosecutors and advocates for diverse representation in the legal system. Legend highlights the need to reassess crime prevention strategies by addressing social issues like food insecurity. He illustrates the powerful intersection of activism and entertainment through his Free America campaign, aiming to amplify the voices affected by the justice system.
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Kim Fox's Experience
- John Legend supports Kim Fox, a Black woman re-elected in Cook County (Chicago).
- Fox's experience growing up in challenged communities gives her empathy and understanding in her role.
Personal Experiences
- John Legend's family and community members have faced incarceration and the difficulties of re-entry.
- These personal experiences, combined with a broader understanding of the system, fuel his activism.
Crime and the Pandemic
- Crime rates rose during the pandemic across communities, regardless of the prosecutor's political stance.
- The solution is to address underlying issues like poverty and despair, not increase penalties.