When the whole world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful ~ Malala Yousafzai
It is difficult to define Global Citizen. It is a world-wide organization of people speaking out and taking action to solve a huge array of world problems and challenges, such as poverty, discrimination, hunger, inequality, disease and climate issues. Recently, I found myself interested in the organization and went on the website and downloaded the app. One of the simple ways GC entices members to get involved is to offer them entry to various events and concerts by taking action – which might mean anything from tweeting for a designated cause, sharing a facebook post, or signing a petition. Global Citizen makes it easy for an individual to help a cause and to make him or her feel like s/he is making a difference.
I joined, took some actions, and the next thing I knew I was invited to Global Citizen Live! this week at NYU’s Skirball Center in Manhattan.
The event, billed as MUSIC . ADVOCACY . IMPACT, featured a number of known performers, as well as discussions of major global issues, visits by dignitaries, and awards to notable people for their contributions.
The event honored Annie Lennox with the 2017 Global Citizen George Harrison Award. The entertainers included, among others, musical director, Paul Shaffer, Nancy Wilson (of the band Heart), Valerie Simpson (what a voice!), Tom Morello (of Rage against the Machine fame), Brandi Carlile, M. Ward (of She & Him), and Dhani Harrison. Michael Moore also appeared as a surprise guest. The finale was Power to the People, with nearly all of the performers on stage (see video below).
This event was one of many taking place this week as part of Global Citizen Week – FOR FREEDOM. FOR JUSTICE. FOR ALL – from Sept. 17-23, with dozens of events and activities inspiring Global Citizens to learn, take action, and see world leaders commit to deliver a world without extreme poverty by 2030. Global Citizen week coincides with the annual leaders meeting of the United Nations.
Global Citizen Week will culminate at the Global Citizen Festival in Central Park this Saturday, September 23rd.
The Global Citizen Live event Monday night was moving and an inspiration. All of these causes which seem so daunting alone, feel possible as a group of global citizens working toward a cure or change.
Here are some photos from the evening.
The 2017 George Harrison Award was presented by Olivia Harrison to singer Annie Lennox for excellence in music and activism throughout her career.
Annie Lennox then sang two songs, accompanied on guitar by George Harrison’s son, Dhani Harrison.
The Finale was Power to the People – we all sang our hearts out! Here’s a VIDEO!
and some more photos:
A New York frequent flyer who elegantly combines her passions for worldwide travel, running a gazillion marathons all over the globe and staying fit ... without sacrificing her fancy for good wine and food.
Relevance? I fail to see how this falls under travel, fitness, or running.
And yeah, it’s going to be a really impactful affair. Nothing wipes out poverty better than a bunch of virtue-signaling leftists sending tweets and listening to music. But like you said, if doing so makes these folks “feel” as though they are doing something, that’s what counts.