Ep 7. John Legend: Making History

John Legend has achieved worldwide recognition as a singer, songwriter, and performer, earning countless awards for his music and collaborations. But his defining moment was not solely based on his musical talents. In season 1 episode 7 of Defining Moments with OZY, we take a deep dive into John Legend's impactful social activism and philanthropy.

The episode begins by exploring John Legend's upbringing in Springfield, Ohio, which instilled in him the value of hard work and education. Legend's parents were both factory workers, and they pushed him to pursue a college education. At the University of Pennsylvania, he majored in English, but also took classes in African-American studies and political science. These classes would later shape his passion for social justice and inspire his activism efforts.

Throughout the episode, we see how John Legend's career and personal life intertwine with his philanthropic work. We delve into his involvement with the Show Me Campaign, which fights poverty by providing access to education for disadvantaged youth. We see how he co-founded the FreeAmerica campaign, which advocates for criminal justice reform and aims to reduce mass incarceration rates in the United States.

John Legend's musical successes are also highlighted throughout the episode. We see how his hit song, "Glory," with Common, was inspired by the 1960s Civil Rights Movement and the current Black Lives Matter movement. The song was featured in the movie Selma, which chronicled the march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song.

The episode also explores John Legend's influence as a husband and father. We see how he and his wife, Chrissy Teigen, use their platform to bring attention to important social issues and support various non-profit organizations. We hear from John Legend about the impact his daughter, Luna, has had on his perspective and drive to make the world a better place for future generations.

Throughout the episode, we hear from various individuals who have been impacted by John Legend's philanthropic work. From inner-city high school students who have received scholarships through the Show Me Campaign to formerly incarcerated individuals benefiting from the work of FreeAmerica, we see how Legend's work has had a direct and meaningful impact on people's lives.

Defining Moments with OZY season 1 episode 7 offers an intimate look into how John Legend has used his platform and talents to make a difference in the world beyond his music. The episode highlights his successes as both a performer and philanthropist, showcasing the influence he has had in promoting social justice and equality while making history.