Dozens of musicians use their videos to send a powerful message about important social issues, but John Legend took things to a whole new level. He’s the first recording artist to employ YouTube’s fundraising feature with moving visual for his new single “Preach”.
At the very beginning of this video, we see Legend struggling to fall asleep and entering a mysterious white door after getting out of his bed. After going through the door, the EGOT winner is forced to take a closer look at issues plaguing the modern news cycle.
John Legend said the idea for this song came from his own frustration and confusion by the things he’s hearing on the news on daily basis. Instead of becoming apathetic, he decided to become engaged and do something to change things for the better.
He used the video for “Preach” to start a fundraising campaign for his new nonprofit organization FreeAmerica. He’s hoping to raise $50,000 in the next year.
“By challenging stereotypes, breaking down barriers, and uplifting solutions, we are helping to end mass incarceration and invest in just, equitable, and thriving communities across the United States,” Legend explained.
