High Note Global Initiative

Aryana Sayeed wins UN-backed High Note Global Human Rights Prize

Sat, 12 Jul 2025 21:05:55 GMT

Aryana Sayeed, Afghanistan’s well-known singer and women’s rights advocate, has been awarded the 2025 High Note Global Prize, an international honor supported by United Nations Human Rights, for her song “We Believe in Hope.”

Aryana Sayeed is the first Afghan artist to receive the honor.

The award was presented in recognition of the song We Believe in Hope, performed by Sayeed and the Brooklyn Youth Chorus, with music by five-time Emmy winner Jeff Beal and lyrics by Joan Beal. The announcement coincided with the first official observance of the United Nations International Day of Hope, established by U.N. General Assembly resolution earlier this year.

Inspired by the story of Afghanistan’s first all-female robotics team, the song has been praised for its message of hope, unity, and women’s empowerment. It also serves as the theme for Rule Breakers, a film by Angel Studios.

“I’m incredibly honored that We Believe in Hope has won the 2025 High Note Global Prize,” Sayeed said in a video message. “As an Afghan woman, I accept this on behalf of every girl denied an education and every woman whose voice has been silenced.”

Sayeed described music as a form of resistance and said it continues to be a “source of pain, hope, and faith” for millions of Afghan women and girls. “Today, our voices are being heard around the world,” she said. “And that proves our resistance can make the impossible possible.”

She added, “Until justice is served, Afghan women will not be silent.”

David Clark, founder of the High Note Global Initiative, called We Believe in Hope “a powerful anthem and a shining example of how music can unify, speak truth to power, and give voice to the voiceless.”

The High Note Global Prize has previously honored artists such as John Legend and Cyndi Lauper. Sayeed, widely regarded as one of Afghanistan’s most influential cultural figures, has long used her platform to champion gender equality — particularly under the Taliban’s restrictions on women’s rights.

United Nations Human Rights-Supported High Note Global Initiative Names “We Believe in Hope” as the first-ever song recognized with the High Note Global Prize in Honor of UN International Day of Hope,

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 21:00:08 GMT

The uplifting “We Believe in Hope” anthem by award-winning composer Jeff Beal, renowned Afghan artist and advocate Aryana Sayeed, and lyricist Joan Beal was inspired by the true story of Afghanistan’s courageous first all-female team.

New York, July 11 , 2025 – As the world celebrates the inaugural International Day of Hope on July 12, 2025, the United Nations Human Rights-supported High Note Global Initiative today awarded "We Believe in Hope" as the first-ever song to receive the High Note Global Prize.

On March 4, 2025 the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring July 12 as International Day of Hope.

With music by award-winning composer Jeff Beal and renowned Afghan recording artist and advocate Aryana Sayeed, and lyrics by Joan Beal, the uplifting anthem is being recognized for its moving expression of human rights themes of unity, equality, and women's empowerment. The song, which was sung by Sayeed and the Brooklyn Youth Chorus, is now being dedicated to the first International Day of Hope and mission of UN Human Rights.

Awarding this song is particularly significant, as “We Believe in Hope,” the theme from the movie Rule Breakers, was initially inspired by the extraordinary true story of Afghanistan’s first all-female robotics team.

Past High Note Global Prize recipients include artists Cyndi Lauper and John Legend.

David Clark, founder of the High Note Global Initiative, commented, "In recognition of UN’s recent declaration of July 12 as International Day of Hope, we are pleased to announce "We Believe in Hope" as the first-ever song to be recognized by High Note Global Initiative.. This empowering song by Jeff Beal, Aryana Sayeed, Joan Beal, and featuring the Brooklyn Youth Chorus, is a shining example of how music can be a powerful, unifying force in speaking truth to power, and giving voice to the voiceless.”

Beal is one of the most prolific and respected Hollywood composers who passionately continues to use his talents to amplify impactful stories. The five-time EMMY® winner is known for creating the music for major films and TV series including Pollock, Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Sequel, Netflix's House of Cards, HBO's Rome, Carnivale, and USA Network’s Monk. As one of the most talented and popular Afghan recording artists, Sayeed has been named one of the Top 10 Most Influential Women of Afghanistan. Known for her music and activism, she has inspired millions and bravely fought for her own freedom and equality in the face of adversity. In 2021, Sayeed also had the honor of performing at UNESCO’s 75th Anniversary Celebration in Paris, France.

We Believe in Hope

Music by Jeff Beal and Aryana Sayeed

Lyrics by Joan Beal

“We are standing,

In this moment,

All together facing forward,

We believe in hope.

We are rising,

In this moment,

Joined together ever after,

Standing here as one.”

Watch the music video for "We Believe in Hope" sung by Aryana Sayeed featuring the Brooklyn Youth Chorus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sFSFD_C6Ic

For additional information about the High Note Global Initiative please visit: highnoteglobal.org

# # #

Media Contact:

Rebekah Alperin

High Note Global Initiative

reb@gostoryboard.com

UN Human Rights presents Ellie Goulding

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 20:07:13 GMT

Superstar Ellie Goulding will perform at the United Nations Human Rights-supported ‘Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Concert’ being held at the New Theatre Oxford in Oxford, UK on 06 June 2025.

This concert hosted by United Nations Human Rights and the University of Oxford – aims to call urgent world attention to the escalating human rights implications of the climate crisis.

Goulding has worked with the UN as a Global Environmental Ambassador and has used her unique platform to amplify the voice of the voiceless and encourage political discussions on climate change to match the ambitions of young people across the world.

When asked about her message to delegates ahead of COP27 in 2022, she said: “It’s to the policymakers and world leaders to step up and be brave. The politics of all of this just needs to be braver. You know, the things that were promised at COP26 (2021) should be fulfilled and should be put into action. All we hear are just empty promises all the time. It’s just really exhausting. We honestly just want real action.”

“UN Human Rights and the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance are honored Ellie will perform at the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Concert, as she has helped spotlight the growing human rights implications of climate change while pressing policymakers around the world to act,” said David Clark, Founder and CEO of the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance. “When an artist of Ellie’s stature uses her platform to champion climate justice, the world pays attention.”

The Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance supported by universities, youth, and the myriad elements of the climate justice movement has garnered support from celebrities that include Celine Dion, Cher, Green Day, Jack Black, Leonardo DiCaprio, Barbra Streisand, Neil Young, Carole King, Annie Lennox, Cyndi Lauper, Pierce Brosnan, Billie Jean King, Camila Cabello, Laura Pausini, Joss Stone, and Kesha, to name just a few.

Since launching in 2021 at the UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow (COP26), the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance has emerged as a leading multi-stakeholder partnership for climate justice, bringing together human rights experts, scientists, corporate leaders, NGOs, academics, advocates, and people around the globe in the fight for rights-based climate action.

Proceeds from Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Concerts will go to United Nations Human Rights climate justice initiatives and a dedicated Right Here, Right Now climate fund at MusiCares to help musicians affected by climate change. MusiCares is the leading music charity providing music professionals health and human services across a spectrum of needs.

Mini Global Concerts presented by High Note Global.

Ellie Goulding to perform at UN and Uni-backed climate concert in Oxford

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 00:32:19 GMT

Singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding will perform at Oxford’s New Theatre on Friday 6th June in a concert hosted by Oxford University and United Nations Human Rights. The event , ‘The Right Here Right Now Global Climate Concert’, aims to highlight the effect of climate breakdown on human rights worldwide.

The show forms part of a series of exhibitions, lectures, performances, and workshops centred on environment issues. Events will run until the 8th June, and will be held in different locations around Oxford.

Ellie Goulding, a multiple BRIT award winner who also has two GRAMMY Award nominations, became a UN Goodwill Ambassador in 2018. She is a longtime campaigner for environmental causes who addressed 85 heads of state at an Illegal Wildlife Trade Conference in London. She also became a WWF ambassador in 2022.

With songs like ‘Love Me Like You Do’ and ‘Outside’ receiving over 1 billion streams on Spotify, tickets come in at just under £60 each.

Meanwhile, the wider series will be launched this Wednesday by Vice-Chancellor Irene Tracey at the Sheldonian. Guests will include COP26 president Alok Sharma and Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. This will be followed by a hybrid event on Thursday, coinciding with World Environment Day.

Ellie Goulding Announces June 2025 United Nations Live Performance

Fri, 30 May 2025 00:37:35 GMT

United Nations Human Rights (UN Human Rights)-supported Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance (Right Here, Right Now) is proud to announce superstar singer/songwriter and climate justice activist Ellie Goulding will perform at the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Concert to be held 6th June 2025 at New Theatre Oxford in Oxford, England.

This concert hosted by United Nations Human Rights and the University of Oxford – aims to call urgent world attention to the escalating human rights implications of the climate crisis.

The live concert is being held as part of the UN Human Rights and University of Oxford-hosted Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit, the largest climate justice summit of its kind, taking place 4 -7 June 2025.

Goulding has worked with the UN as a Global Environmental Ambassador, and has used her unique platform to amplify the voice of the voiceless, and encourage political discussions on climate change to match the ambitions of young people across the world. When asked about her message to delegates ahead of COP27 in 2022, she said: “It’s to the policymakers and world leaders to step up and be brave. The politics of all of this just needs to be braver. You know, the things that were promised at COP26 (2021) should be fulfilled and should be put into action. All we hear are just empty promises all the time. It’s just really exhausting. We honestly just want real action.”

The Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance supported by universities, youth and the myriad elements of the climate justice movement has garnered support from celebrities that include Celine Dion, Cher, Green Day, Jack Black, Leonardo DiCaprio, Barbra Streisand, Neil Young, Carole King, Annie Lennox, Cyndi Lauper, Pierce Brosnan, Billie Jean King, Camila Cabello, Laura Pausini, Joss Stone, and Kesha, to name just a few. Since launching in 2021 at the UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow (COP26), the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance has emerged as a leading multi-stakeholder partnership for climate justice, bringing together human rights experts, scientists, corporate leaders, NGOs, academics, advocates, and people around the globe in the fight for rights-based climate action.

“To face the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, we need to fundamentally – and urgently – rebuild our relationships with nature, our economies and society,”said Astrid Van Genderen Stort, Chief of External Engagement and Partnerships at UN Human Rights. “This requires radical and transformative change supported by a whole of society effort. By bringing together diverse elements of the climate justice and human rights movements, I hope that the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit – alongside other such initiatives – can advance partnerships and concrete steps to increase accountability for climate harms and catalyze human rights-based climate action for people and the planet.”

The global programme takes place online, with partner universities around the world taking turns to lead the Summit, which is being livestreamed in Oxford’s iconic Sheldonian Theatre. Alongside the concert and online global programme, a local community-focused series of events is taking place in the city of Oxford, including photography exhibitions, interactive workshops, public lectures and panel discussions. For more information on the Summit, visit: http://www.oxfordsummit.org/

Proceeds from Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Concerts will go to United Nations Human Rights climate justice initiatives and a dedicated Right Here, Right Now climate fund at MusiCares® to help musicians affected by climate change. MusiCares® is the leading music charity providing music professionals health and human services across a spectrum of needs.

Mini Global Concerts presented by High Note Global.

Live Review: Green Day Thrills the Fillmore In an Intimate Two-Hour Show

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 19:51:28 GMT

It wasn’t until we all shuffled down the stairs of the Fillmore, ears ringing from an epic two-hour Green Day set, sweat dripping off our shirts and the cold San Francisco night air hitting our bewildered faces, that I realized just what we’d all just witnessed.

After all, it’s not often that Green Day, who headline a tour of huge baseball stadiums later this summer, play a small show at a 1,300-capacity room like the Fillmore. Outside at the 8 p.m. showtime on Tuesday night, over a dozen people walked the sidewalk with hopeful signs: “Dad who needs 1 ticket,” “Name Your Price,” and “Help! Need a ticket to join my wife and 8-year-old stepson for the show… and it’s our wedding anniversary today! Please!!”

Those who did get in, however, were treated to two hours of the Bay Area’s greatest rock ‘n’ roll export (sorry, Metallica), and at one of the country’s best venues, no less.

Here’s what I can say definitively. In the past 35 years — starting in 1989, yeesh — I’ve seen Green Day at youth centers, warehouses, house parties, high schools and Rotary Club halls. And though they know how to rock a stadium just fine, they always thrive in small spaces, face-to-face with the crowd and making the tiniest room feel like the entire universe.

The Fillmore show Tuesday night — a benefit for United Nations Human Rights climate justice initiatives and the Recording Academy’s MusiCares charity — was no exception. As Green Day had announced the day prior, they played the entirety of their new album Saviors, and the entirety of their 2004 opus American Idiot. Big, anthemic stuff.

But without needing to play to the nosebleed seats in Section 327 above third base, they were able to give focus to epic songs like “Jesus of Suburbia” and “Homecoming.” Dressed in a sport jacket and Cramps T-shirt, Billie Joe Armstrong didn’t have to engage in much rockstar cosplay — for a hometown crowd, he still felt like just plain Billie from Rodeo, who you might bump into at Winchell’s after the Corrupted Morals show at Gilman.

What was evident onstage — what he and Mike and Tré have picked up along the way since those early days — is not only a tight musicianship bordering on the miraculous, but a thespian’s skill for selling their songs and connecting with an audience.

Green Day Are Once Again Political Pop-Punk ‘Saviors’ on New Album

During the Saviors track “Bobby Sox,” a fan in the second row waved a bisexual flag in fervent recognition of the song’s love-who-you-want themes . For “Father to a Son,” echoes were present of Armstrong’s son’s opening band, Ultra Q. Acknowledging the upcoming election that nobody wants to think about, during “Letterbomb,” Billie interjected, “Whose finger do you want to be on the nuclear bomb?!”

These sorts of things might come off as corny if they weren’t so sincere. Singing the final lines of the West Contra Costa anthem “Jesus of Suburbia,” about running away from the pain of a broken home, Billie appeared to briefly lose his voice; it was soon apparent that he was instead choking back tears.

This is how you do it, Green Day seemed to say on Tuesday. Write songs about your turbulent life, find a supportive circle, stick with your convictions, play damn loud and sing even louder to anyone who’ll listen, in every city around the world, record an unrivaled catalog of songs, and then, when you’re too famous to do so, play at the Fillmore anyway, this place where you once saw the Replacements and the Church as a teenager and got stoned off a stranger’s joint , and get out there on stage and scream from the monitors and leap unimaginably high into the air and play like your life depends on it because somewhere, out in the crowd, is another 15-year-old kid with disapproving parents who doesn’t fit in at school, and who needs the same thing you needed when you were baptized into the gospel of rock ‘n’ roll liberation.

After the show, out on the Fillmore overcrossing above Geary, was living proof of those types of kids: Mary Jane Mafia , a Green Day tribute band from Fremont playing a pop-up show of covers like “Walking Contradiction” and “2,000 Light Years Away” on the sidewalk to a dancing group of onlookers and a few bemused cops.

See, they didn’t get in. They didn’t get to hear Green Day play new songs that have no business being as good as they are, like the brutally honest “Dilemma,” or jump in the pit for “St. Jimmy,” or sing along for the zillionth time to encore “Basket Case.” But what Green Day does is a thread, one that weaves from the Clash to the Replacements to Operation Ivy and onward to a thousand bands on sidewalks and in garages around the world.

So yeah — it was a show, but it was also a lineage. I really wish you coulda seen it.

Green Day to Headline Right Here, Right Now Mini Global Climate Concert

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 19:57:47 GMT

Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance (Right Here, Right Now) just announced that iconic rock band Green Day has been selected as the headliner and international honorees for the upcoming Mini Global Climate Concert. The event, supported by the United Nations Human Rights , takes place on April 2 at The Fillmore in San Francisco, California. Co-hosted by the United Nations Human Rights and the Recording Academy® , the concert aims to address the human rights crisis stemming from climate change.

Tickets for the intimate benefit concert are on sale through Ticketmaster .

Green Day’s Commitment to Social Justice and the Environment

Green Day, the five-time GRAMMY® Award-winning rock superstars, have long been champions of social justice and environmental causes. Formed in 1986 in Berkeley, CA, the band has garnered immense popularity, selling over 75 million records worldwide and accumulating 10 billion audio/visual streams. Their 14th studio album, “Saviors,” released on January 19, 2024, debuted at No.1 on seven different Billboard charts and marked their fifth No.1 in the UK. Known for their electrifying performances, Green Day will kick off their global stadium tour, “ The Saviors Tour ,” on May 30, featuring performances of their iconic albums “Dookie” and “American Idiot” in their entirety, alongside tracks from “Saviors” and fan favorites.

The Right Here, Right Now Mini Global Climate Concert Series

The Right Here, Right Now Mini Global Climate Concert Series aims to spotlight the human rights-based approaches and solutions to climate change.

Recognition from Global Leaders

Through a press release provided by the Recording Academy® organizers say, “We are pleased to recognize Green Day and excited for the incredible band to help us launch the international Right Here, Right Now Mini Global Climate Concert Series ,” states Volker Türk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights . “As world-renowned artists and activists, Green Day continues to leverage its major influence and platform to bring awareness to the impact of climate change on the people and the environment. The United Nations was founded in San Francisco almost 80 years ago to safeguard human rights and dignity from crisis and tragedy. It is only fitting that we are back in San Francisco promoting human rights-based approaches and solutions to the climate crisis as co-hosts along with the Recording Academy.”

David Clark, founder and CEO of Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance , said, “It’s a privilege and honor to have Green Day headline the Right Here, Right Now Mini Global Climate Concert in San Francisco. We selected the band, as Billie Joe Armstrong , Mike Dirnt , and Tré Cool have been at the forefront [of] promoting social justice initiatives for decades. When iconic artists like Green Day leverage their global platform to promote climate justice, the world takes notice. In their new song Saviors, they mention they’re ‘the last of the rockers making a commotion,’ which we’re all grateful for. I believe when you stand for something – you stand out, and they certainly do!”

Supporting Climate Justice Initiatives

Proceeds from the Right Here, Right Now Mini Global Climate Concerts will support United Nations Human Rights climate justice initiatives and a dedicated climate fund at MusiCares® to aid musicians affected by climate change.

Joining Forces for a Better World

Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, emphasized music’s power to effect positive change and expressed gratitude for Green Day’s commitment to promoting social justice. The Recording Academy is proud to co-host the Right Here, Right Now Mini Global Climate Concert alongside the United Nations Human Rights team.

For more information about the concert series and the organizations involved, visit www.righthererightnow.global .

About United Nations Human Rights

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (United Nations Human Rights) works to promote and protect human rights for all people. With a staff of 1,971 working in 88 countries, the organization strives to make human rights a reality worldwide. For more information, visit www.ohchr.org .

Mini Global Concerts presented by High Note Global.

Green Day To Headline "Right Here, Right Now Mini Global Climate Concert" In San Francisco On April 2, Presented By United Nations Human Rights & The Recording Academy

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 19:43:18 GMT

Green Day have been selected as the headliner and international honorees of the ecologically driven concert, which aims to combat the human rights crisis resulting from climate change.

As four-time GRAMMY winners and 17-time GRAMMY nominees, Green Day have an uncommonly visible platform in the music industry. And we're seeing them use it for critical, world-repairing ends.

Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance (Right Here, Right Now) is proud to announce Green Day as the headliners and international honorees of the United Nations Human Rights-supported Mini Global Climate Concert. Taking place Tuesday, April 2, at the Fillmore in San Francisco, California, the event aims to combat the human rights crisis resulting from climate change. Co-hosted by United Nations Human Rights and the Recording Academy, the event will also recognize Green Day for their longstanding commitment to social justice and environmental causes.

Tickets for the intimate benefit concert will go on sale Friday, March 29, at noon PT/3 p.m. ET through Ticketmaster . Proceeds from Right Here, Right Now Mini Global Climate Concerts will go to United Nations Human Rights climate justice initiatives and a dedicated Right Here, Right Now climate fund at MusiCares to help musicians affected by climate change. MusiCares is the leading music charity providing music professionals health and human services across a spectrum of needs.

The Right Here, Right Now Mini Global Climate Concert Series is bringing together some of the most popular stadium acts to perform at intimate concert venues around the globe, while shining a light on the human rights-based approaches and solutions to climate change and the suffering it causes. The Green Day concert is the second installment of the Right Here, Right Now Mini Global Climate Concert Series, which kicked off last April with an intimate concert headlined by Wesley Schultz , lead singer and co-founder of the two-time GRAMMY-nominated band the Lumineers , and six-time GRAMMY-nominated artist Yola as a special guest. The Mini Global Climate Concert Series is part of the Right Here, Right Now Music initiative , a collaboration between the Recording Academy and the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance (Right Here, Right Now), which launched last April and aims to combat the human rights crisis resulting from climate change.

"We are pleased to recognize Green Day and excited for the incredible band to help us launch the international Right Here, Right Now Mini Global Climate Concert Series," states Volker Türk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. "As world-renowned artists and activists, Green Day continues to leverage its major influence and platform to bring awareness to the impact of climate change on the people and the environment. The United Nations was founded in San Francisco almost 80 years ago to safeguard human rights and dignity from crisis and tragedy. It is only fitting that we are back in San Francisco promoting human rights-based approaches and solutions to the climate crisis as co-hosts along with the Recording Academy."

David Clark, founder and CEO of Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance, said, "It's a privilege and honor to have Green Day headline the Right Here, Right Now Mini Global Climate Concert in San Francisco. We selected the band, as Billie Joe Armstrong , Mike Dirnt , and Tré Cool have been at the forefront promoting social justice initiatives for decades. When iconic artists like Green Day leverage their global platform to promote climate justice, the world takes notice. In their new song ‘Saviors,’ they mention they're 'the last of the rockers making a commotion,' which we're all grateful for. I believe when you stand for something – you stand out, and they certainly do!"

"Music is one of humanity's greatest resources. It moves the world," Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. said. "Our organization exists to harness music's power to make a better world. We are proud to be co-hosting the Right Here, Right Now Mini Global Climate Concert with the United Nations Human Rights team and we are grateful for Green Day's longstanding dedication to promoting social justice."

Formed in 1986 in Berkeley, California, Green Day is one of the most popular and best-selling bands of all time with more than 75 million records sold worldwide and 10 billion cumulative audio/visual streams.

On January 19, 2024, Green Day released their highly anticipated 14th studio album, Saviors , which debuted at No.1 on seven different Billboard charts and marked their fifth No.1 in the UK. On May 30, Green Day will kick off their massive global stadium tour – The Saviors Tour — where they'll play Dookie and American Idiot in their entirety, along with other Saviors cuts and fan favorites. The tour will conclude on September 28 at Petco Park in San Diego.

The Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance driven by universities and youth has also garnered support from celebrities that include Leonardo DiCaprio, Quincy Jones , Celine Dion , Cher , Jeff Bridges, Camila Cabello, Ellen DeGeneres, Edward Norton, Annie Lennox , Cyndi Lauper , Pitbull , LL Cool J , Joss Stone , Kesha , and Jack Black , to name just a few. In 2025, Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit will be hosted by the University of Oxford, the Global Academic Partner of Right Here, Right Now.

Mini Global Concerts produced by High Note Global.

Recording Academy teams with United Nations on Climate Crisis-Focused Concert Series

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 00:56:09 GMT

The Recording Academy has announced a new initiative , revealing that it has teamed with multiple United Nations Human Rights-supported global initiatives to use music to promote social justice around the world. Named the Right Here, Right Now Music initiative and launched on Wednesday, the new campaign encourages artists to use their platform to encourage support for multiple United Nations Human Rights goals including advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, gender equality, women's empowerment, climate justice and other human rights issues.

A concert, of course: To kick things off, the Recording Academy and United Nations Human Rights will host the Right Here, Right Now Mini Global Climate Concert Series, beginning April 13, at the Boulder Theater in Colorado with headliner Wesley Schultz, lead singer and co-founder of The Lumineers, and special guests including Yola. The show will be filmed by Citizen Pictures to be broadcast later and is the first of multiple Mini Global Climate Concerts planned around the world including potential shows in New York, Los Angeles, Nashville, London, Johannesburg, Bogotá, and Dubai. Proceeds from the concerts will go to United Nations Human Rights climate justice initiatives and MusiCares.

 The power of music: The Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance was unveiled in 2021 at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow and has become the largest public-private partnership addressing climate change as a human rights issue. Major artists have supported the alliance including Quincy Jones, Celine Dion, Leonardo DiCaprio, Cher, Camila Cabello, Annie Lennox, LL Cool J, Cyndi Lauper, Pitbull, Jack Black, the Lumineers, Ellen DeGeneres, Jeff Bridges, Edward Norton, Bob Weir, Dead & Company, Kesha, Joss Stone, and Michael Franti, with more to come following the Academy’s latest partnership.

How The Recording Academy And United Nations Human Rights Are Tackling Climate Change: 5 Takeaways From The Right Here, Right Now Mini Global Climate Concert Series

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 00:46:48 GMT

The first activation of the Recording Academy's collaboration with United Nations Human Rights featured impassioned speeches about climate change and unforgettable performances from the Lumineers frontman Wesley Schultz and special guest Yola.

For centuries, music has soundtracked the fight for societal change and revolutions around the world. From the protest anthems of the Civil Rights Movement to the powerful songs fueling the protests in Iran , music has remained an essential ingredient in the ongoing battle for progress and universal equality. Now, the Recording Academy, in partnership with United Nations Human Rights, continues this long tradition of championing progress via music.

This month, the Recording Academy announced a partnership with several United Nations Human Rights-supported global initiatives that aims to promote global social justice via the power of music. The multifaceted campaign will invite leading artists to use their talents and platforms to advocate for United Nations Human Rights goals, including advocating for the rights of women and the LGBTQ+ community as well as a host of other human rights issues, including gender equality and climate justice.

The Right Here, Right Now Music initiative — a partnership between the Recording Academy and the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance (Right Here, Right Now) — aims to combat the human rights crisis resulting from climate change, a timely issue impacting vurnerable communities around the world.

The Right Here, Right Now Mini Global Climate Concert Series, the first activation in this newly announced partnership, addressed this important issue head-on. The concert, held in Colorado's iconic Boulder Theater on Thursday, April 13, enlisted major artists, including the Lumineers lead singer and co-founder Wesley Schultz and special guest Yola, as well as leaders in the music and intergovernmental industries to call attention to the human rights implications of climate change.

The powerful performances from Yola and Schultz — combined with speeches addressing the importance of utilizing music as a tool to combat climate change — created an atmosphere of longing with an undercurrent of hope for the future.

"I wanted to show our support for these hosts, the Recording Academy and the United Nations [Human Rights], at this forum that addressed the interconnectedness of human rights and climate change," Schultz told the Recording Academy via email about his involvement in the Right Here, Right Now Mini Global Climate Concert Series. "As touring musicians, we can raise awareness about sustainable goals and inspire dialogue about the global climate crisis. As touring musicians, we can raise awareness and amplify calls to action for governments, education, businesses, and individuals to fight the global climate crisis.

"It is everyone's responsibility to help battle climate change," he continued. "But as touring musicians, we must work to seek out real solutions to the sizable carbon footprint that being on the road causes. That's why I'm working with an organization like Sound Future , who are working on finding systemic fixes to help touring become more carbon neutral."

The Recording Academy attended the inaugural Right Here, Right Now Mini Global Climate Concert Series in person. Below are five key takeaways from the collaborative launch event.

The Event's Location Was Chosen Deliberately

*Outdoor marquee sign at the Boulder Theater in Colorado for the Right Here, Right Now Mini Global Climate Concert Series on April 13, 2023 | Photo: David Rose*

David Clark , founder and CEO of Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance, explained that launching the Mini Global Climate Concert Series in Boulder, Colorado, an area he described as a "hotbed" for climate justice, was a very conscious choice.

"We've got amazing national labs that are coming up with cutting-edge technology, cutting-edge data, research that's shaping the climate dialogue around the world," he said at the concert.

Boulder was also the home of last year's Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit , which hosted experts from over 100 nations, including Mary Robinson , the former U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights and the President of Ireland.

The Climate Crisis Is A Human Crisis

The climate crisis already disproportionately impacts socially vulnerable groups : women, children, low-income families, and other historically marginalized communities.

"Human-caused climate change has already caused substantial and irreversible damage to ecosystems and livelihoods with disproportionate impacts on people in ongoing situations," Benjamin Schachter, UN Human Rights Team Leader for Environment and Climate Change, explained from the stage.

Schachter emphasized that countless lives have been lost due to the climate crisis already, and millions of people are displaced by climate and weather-related disasters annually.

Music Creates Powerful Connections

he Recording Academy has a long history of championing change through the power of music — a point highlighted throughout the Right Here, Right Now Mini Global Climate Concert Series.

"Music is a crucial means of [catalyzing transformative action]," Schachter said. "It constitutes a common language, a means of expression."

"Music has some special abilities," Harvey Mason jr. , CEO of the Recording Academy, explained in an impassioned speech from the stage. "It has the ability to give a voice to those that have none, to shine a light on injustices that exist in our world, and to inspire us all to take action."

Mason jr. also amplified an impactful message that reflected the theme of the night: Music is not just a means for entertainment, but a "powerful tool to galvanize social movements to speak the truth, the power to create community and to bring disparate people together for a common cause."

The World Must Band Together

Internationally acclaimed and GRAMMY-nominated guest artist Yola performed a no-frills set of raw, vocally driven songs intertwined with the mellow strum of her acoustic guitar. Many of Yola's songs spoke to her newfound strength to stand up for herself, a concept she explored on her 2021 album, Stand For Myself, and clap back at those in power — an appropriate theme that resonated throughout the environmental justice concert.

"This next one might be a little on the nose," Yola chuckled on stage as she introduced her aptly named, GRAMMY-nominated song, " Diamond Studded Shoes, " and described the diamond-studded heels of a politician who was "slapping the meals out of kids' hands." The song's moving lyrics — "For the life and soul of the world we know/Fight, 'cause the promise is never gonna be enough" — and theme fully captured the message of the night: Even if things might be bad, resistance is possible and "it'll be fine if we just band together," she said.

Small Actions Lead To Impactful Change

Wesley Schultz of the Lumineers took the stage to thunderous applause. Like Yola, Schultz's performance was an unedited glimpse at his raw talent: a 45-minute set composed of just his voice and an acoustic guitar.

Between songs – some of which were covers, others originals – Schultz shared stirring glimpses into his personal life, from his dad's death to a psychedelic-infused trip he had with his wife.

Schultz also shared that his wife, Brandy, is a co-founder of Sound Future , a nonprofit focused on "accelerating climate innovation for the live event industry," according to the organization's website. He explained how Sound Future used flexible solar panels and the heat of the Texas sun to power the stage at Willie Nelson's concert in Luck, Texas.

"It's a very simple idea, right? That we can turn certain things that seem really daunting into something that's very doable," Schultz reflected on the stage. "I think we can all make these little steps here and there, [combined] with the brilliant minds that people have out there, to make some innovation, to make [live shows] a little more friendly on the environment."

Billboard: John Legend Receives United Nations Human Rights' High Note Global Prize

Fri, 11 Dec 2020 15:46:00 GMT

From: https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/9497861/john-legend-high-note-global-prize-united-nations-human-rights

To celebrate United Nations Human Rights Day on Thursday (Dec. 10), John Legend received the prestigious High Note Global Prize for social justice, presented by United Nations Human Rights, partner of the High Note Global Initiative and David Clark Cause.

The award honors recording artists who use their music and platform to promote social justice and positive change. Legend is an outspoken advocate for prison reform, voters' rights, healthcare, equality and education, among other causes.

“I believe in the power of music to inspire us, to connect our hearts, to give voice to feelings for which words alone won’t suffice, to wake us up out of complacency, to galvanize and fuel social movements," the singer said upon accepting his award. "Artists have a rich tradition of activism. We have a unique opportunity to reach people where they are, beyond political divisions, borders, and silos. And it’s been my privilege to use my voice and my platform to advance the cause of equity and justice."

He went on to highlight his most recent campaign, #FreeAmerica, which works toward criminal justice reform. "As a citizen of the United States, and of the world, I know that for far too long our most essential systems have served to perpetuate inequity and injustice," he shared. "In order for us to create a just world those systems need to change."

"With this award we celebrate a multitude of advocates, generations of movement leaders who have put their shoulder to the wheel of progress," he concluded. "I don’t stand here absorbing these accolades for myself. I stand here grateful for their ideas and their energy and honored that I can amplify their voices by using my platform."

Watch Legend's full acceptance speech below.

Variety: John Legend Awarded United Nations’ High Note Global Prize

Thu, 10 Dec 2020 21:37:00 GMT

From: https://variety.com/2020/music/news/john-legend-united-nations-high-note-prize-1234850016/

On United Nations Human Rights Day (December 10), singer-songwriter-activist John Legend has been named recipient of the High Note Global Prize for social justice, presented by United Nations Human Rights, Partner of the High Note Global Initiative, and David Clark Cause, the organizations announced.

The annual High Note Global Prize honors and celebrates recording artists for outstanding, lifelong achievement using their music and unique platform to promote social justice worldwide.

In his acceptance speech released via video by the High Note Global Initiative, Legend says:

“I am both proud and humbled to thank you for this honor. I believe in the power of music to inspire us, to connect our hearts, to give voice to feelings for which words alone won’t suffice, to wake us up out of complacency, to galvanize and fuel social movements. Artists have a rich tradition of activism. We have a unique opportunity to reach people where they are, beyond political divisions, borders, and silos. And it’s been my privilege to use my voice and my platform to advance the cause of equity and justice.”

He continues, “As a citizen of the United States, and of the world, I know that for far too long our most essential systems have served to perpetuate inequity and injustice. In order for us to create a just world those systems need to change. When we founded #FREEAMERICA we became part of a community of leaders, advocates, and champions working to dismantle inequities in the American criminal justice system. We wanted to lift up the voices of those who had been silenced. We wanted to envision a new way forward. With this award we celebrate a multitude of advocates, generations of movement leaders who have put their shoulder to the wheel of progress. I don’t stand here absorbing these accolades for myself. I stand here grateful for their ideas and their energy and honored that I can amplify their voices by using my platform. I accept this award with deep humility for the honor, renewed commitment to the work, and abiding hope for a just future.

A native of Ohio, Legend has won 11 Grammy awards, an Emmy, an Oscar and a Tony, making him the first Black man to achieve EGOT status. He has released seven albums, with the latest, “Bigger Love,” released earlier this year. He also starred in NBC’s “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert” in 2018 and joined the competition show “The Voice.”

He was featured on the cover of Variety‘s 2020 Moguls issue for his combination of art, business and social work.

In 2007, Legend launched the Show Me Campaign, which aims to give every child access to a quality education and address the systemic issues in a criminal justice system that continues to disproportionately impact disadvantaged black and brown communities. In 2014 he launched LRNG Innovators to promote innovation in education and the following year he started #FREEAMERICA, a social campaign focused on ending mass incarceration. And Get Lifted Film Co., the production company he co-founded with Mike Jackson and Ty Stiklorius, has combined storytelling and social change for projects like “Atlanta’s Missing And Murdered: The Lost Children” on HBO, while also elevating multicultural creators.

The Independent: John Legend awarded United Nations human rights prize for social justice work

Thu, 10 Dec 2020 17:35:00 GMT

From: https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/john-legend-human-rights-united-nations-b1769442.html

John Legend has been awarded a human rights prize by the United Nations’ human rights arm in recognition of his social justice advocacy work.

The artist was announced on Thursday as the 2020 recipient of the High Note Global Prize, of which the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the UN’s leading human rights organisation, is the global partner.

Last year’s recipient was Cyndi Lauper. This is the second year the prize has been awarded

The distinction aims to “celebrate an iconic artist who has promoted social justice for over a decade”.

Legend has long been an advocate for social justice. One of his most recent initiatives, the FREEAMERICA campaign, focuses on ending mass incarceration and promoting criminal justice reform.

In 2007, Legend launched the Show Me campaign focusing on education. The campaign now also has an arm dedicated to reducing mass incarceration, created in 2015.

Legend is also an adviser on the Bail Project, which helps free people who are held on bail in the US.

The artist said in a released statement he’s “both proud and humbled” to be this year’s recipient.

“I believe in the power of music to inspire us, to connect our hearts, to give voice to feelings for which words alone won’t suffice, to wake us up out of complacency, to galvanise and fuel social movements,” he added.

“Artists have a rich tradition of activism. We have a unique opportunity to reach people where they are, beyond political divisions, borders, and silos. And it’s been my privilege to use my voice and my platform to advance the cause of equity and justice.”

Rolling Stone: John Legend Wins United Nations Human Rights’ High Note Global Prize

Thu, 10 Dec 2020 16:40:00 GMT

From: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/john-legend-united-nations-human-rights-high-note-global-prize-1101344/

“With this award we celebrate a multitude of advocates, generations of movement leaders who have put their shoulder to the wheel of progress,” musician says in acceptance video

By JON BLISTEIN

United Nations Human Rights has awarded John Legend its second annual High Note Global Prize in recognition of his career as a musician and activist fighting for social justice.

Legend shared a short video with an acceptance speech, saying, “I believe in the power of music to inspire us, to connect our hearts, to give voice to feelings for which words alone won’t suffice, to wake us up out of complacency, to galvanize and fuel social movements. Artists have a rich tradition of activism. We have a unique opportunity to reach people where they are, beyond political divisions, borders, and silos. And it’s been my privilege to use my voice and my platform to advance the cause of equity and justice.”

Over his 20-year career, Legend has been closely involved with a variety of causes. In 2007, he started the Show Me Campaign to improve access to education, while the Bail Project has advocated for ending mass incarceration and making it easier for released prisoners to find work by removing criminal background checks from job applications. In his High Note Global Prize speech, he touched on his most recent campaign, #FreeAmerica, which is aimed at broad criminal justice reform.

“With this award we celebrate a multitude of advocates, generations of movement leaders who have put their shoulder to the wheel of progress,” Legend said. “I don’t stand here absorbing these accolades for myself. I stand here grateful for their ideas and their energy and honored that I can amplify their voices by using my platform. I accept this award with deep humility for the honor, renewed commitment to the work, and abiding hope for a just future.”

Back in June, Legend released his seventh studio album, Bigger Love. He recently collaborated with Carrie Underwood on a new duet, “Hallelujah,” from her first Christmas album, My Gift. Legend is set to host and perform at the Global Citizen Prize awards special, airing December 19th, on NBC.

Billboard: Cyndi Lauper Accepts UN's First-Ever High Note Global Prize for LGBTQ Advocacy From Kesha, Cher & More

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 17:50:00 GMT

Throughout her decades-long career, pop superstar Cyndi Lauper has been a loud and proud advocate for the LGBTQ community. Especially with her nonprofit charity organization True Colors United, which is aimed at ending homelessness for LGBTQ youth, Lauper has always made sure her voice is being used for good.

On Tuesday night, the icon was awarded for her efforts by the United Nations at her Home for the Holidays benefit concert. The organization presented Lauper with their first-ever High Note Global Prize, an award that will be given to artists who use their significant platforms to fight for social justice.

Kesha appeared alongside UN Human Rights' chief external officer Laurent Sauveur to present the award to Lauper. "Cyndi has stated that 'We each have a personal responsibility to make sure LGBTQ youth are treated with dignity and respect,'" Kesha said during her remarks. "And I couldn’t agree more."

Pop icon Cher also made a brief appearance via video to congratulate her friend on receiving the UN honor. "I’m so excited for you to get your award, I wish I was there with you," Cher said. "But no one deserves this award more than you do. And I know you, and I love you. So have a wonderful night and just bathe in the glory."

In her acceptance speech, Lauper thanked everyone who helped her get to where she is today, but also took a moment to call out the "disproportionate" number of LGBTQ youth who are homeless, citing statistics that while roughly 7 percent of the youth population in the U.S. identify as LGBTQ, up to 40 percent of all homeless youth are queer. "They're only on the street because they're LGBTQ," she said in her speech. "This is fixable, with programs and advocacy and safe places where they will not be turned away."

Along with receiving her honor from the UN, Lauper also lended the stage to (and occasionally shared it with) major queer talent at her Home for the Holidays concert, including stars Billy Porter, Justin Tranter, King Princess, Brandi Carlile and many more.

ABC News: Cyndi Lauper honored with United Nations Human Rights award for LGBTQ+ advocacy

Wed, 11 Dec 2019 17:51:00 GMT

The legendary Cyndi Lauper was honored in Los Angeles Tuesday night for her enduring support of the LGBTQ+ community and her message of tolerance inspiring people to be true to themselves.

"This global award holds a special place for artists," Kesha said as she opened the High Note Global Prize Award ceremony.

"It is given to a remarkable person who uses their musical gifts to promote human rights and to speak truth to power," she added.

Laurent Sauveur and Kesha presented Cyndi Lauper with the first-ever High Note Global Prize on Dec. 10, 2019 (UN Human Rights Day) in Los Angeles.

Even music icon Cher, who was not able to attend in person, sent Lauper a message of congrats saying, "I know you and I love you."

Lauper is the first recipient of the inaugural award from The High Note Global Initiative, which is a global partner with United Nations Human Rights.

Lauper’s award will go on display at the Grammy Museum.

Weekly News: Cyndi Lauper honored by the United Nations

Tue, 10 Dec 2019 18:39:00 GMT

Cyndi Lauper is the first recipient of the High Note Global Prize, an award that the United Nations has created for artists using their platform to work for social justice.

The 66-year-old singer receives the prize for her commitment to young people in the LGBTQ community. Among other things, Lauper founded True Colors United, an organization that tries to prevent and combat homelessness among LGBTQ youths.

The musician received the award on Tuesday evening during her Home for the Holidays benefit concert in Los Angeles. Kesha handed over the prize and said, according to Billboard, “Cyndi has often said that we all have a personal responsibility to ensure that LGBTQ young people are treated with dignity and respect. I totally agree with that.” Cher addressed her colleague in a video message during the event. “No one deserves this award more than you,” said the singer.

In her acceptance speech, Lauper emphasized that she still sees a lot of work to be done. She shared the statistics that seven percent of young people in the US see themselves as LGBT people, but among homeless youngsters that is forty percent. “They live on the street because they are LGBT people. We can fix this, with measures and enforcement and safe places where they are not sent away.”

Cyndi Lauper Will Receive First-Ever "Nobel Prize In Music"

Tue, 26 Nov 2019 19:30:06 GMT

The award will be given to artists who have promoted social justice for over a decade.

GRAMMY-winning singer/songwriter Cyndi Lauper will be honored with the United Nation 's first-ever High Note Global Prize for her efforts to end LGBTQ youth homelessness.

The award will be given out annually to an artist who has promoted social justice for over a decade and is in collaboration with High Note Global Initiative , created by producer and entrepreneur David Clark. The initiative celebrates music artists who promote social justice through their music. The award has been referred to as the "Nobel Prize In Music," according to the High Note Global Initiative.

GRAMMY-nominated pop singer Kesha will present Lauper with the award during the Cyndi Lauper & Friends: Home for the Holidays benefit concert, taking place at the Novo Theater in Los Angeles on Dec. 10, Human Rights Day.

UN Human Rights Chief External Outreach Laurent Sauver said the award is an effort to inspire more awareness of human rights around the world.

"Musicians hold a special place in society, as they have the ability to inspire people to action. We are proud to support The High Note Global Initiative and The High Note Global Prize in an effort to galvanize global awareness of the importance of human rights, and at the same time honor artists who passionately use their work to promote and protect the rights of others," Sauveur said in a statement on the High Note Global Initiative website.

Lauper co-founded True Colors United , an organization fighting against and preventing LGBTQ youth homelessness. According to statistics, roughly 40 percent of homeless youth identify as LGBTQ.

Lauper, whose songs like "Girls Just Want To Have Fun" and "Time After Time" have become classics in American culture, won her first GRAMMY in 1985 in the Best New Artist Category.

Rolling Stone: Cyndi Lauper to Receive First High Note Global Prize for Work in LGBTQ Advocacy

Tue, 26 Nov 2019 15:18:00 GMT

From: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/cyndi-lauper-high-note-global-prize-lgbtq-916048/

Cyndi Lauper will receive the inaugural High Note Global Prize for her efforts to help prevent and end homelessness among LGBTQ youth.

Kesha will give the award to Lauper December 10th at the latter’s “Home for the Holidays” benefit concert at the Novo in Los Angeles. The show will feature a lineup of musicians, performers and comedians, including Marilyn Manson, Brandi Carlile, Billy Porter, Lily Tomlin, Belinda Carlile, Margaret Cho, Perry Farrell, Charlie Musselwhite and Henry Rollins.

This year marks the ninth edition of Lauper’s “Home for the Holidays” concert, which will benefit True Colors United. Lauper co-founded the organization in 2008, and it works to develop and implement a variety of programs to help prevent and end homelessness among LGBTQ with a focus on training and education, technical assistance, advocacy and youth collaboration programs.

The High Note Global Prize is presented by United Nations Human Rights and the High Note Global Initiative, which was founded by philanthropist David Clark (December 10th is also UN Human Rights Day). The Grammy Museum will serve as the partner institution of the High Note Global Initiative and display Lauper’s award after the ceremony, while Rolling Stone has joined as the High Note Global Initiative media partner.

“We’re thrilled to support The High Note Global Initiative and to honor Cyndi Lauper as the first High Note Global Prize Laureate,” said Rolling Stone president and chief operating officer, Gus Wenner. “Rolling Stone was founded with the mission to explore the connections between music and culture — values that are at the core of The High Note Global Initiative — so we’re excited to support this cause.”

Billboard: Cyndi Lauper to Receive Inaugural United Nations High Note Global Prize for Her LGBTQ Advocacy

Tue, 26 Nov 2019 15:10:00 GMT

From: https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/8544721/cyndi-lauper-united-nations-high-note-award-lgbtq-advocacy

Kesha will present the award on global Human Rights Day, Dec. 10.

Pop icon and human rights activist Cyndi Lauper will receive the United Nations' inaugural High Note Global Prize award, given to artists who use their music and platforms to advocate for social justice.

Kesha will be on hand to present the "True Colors" singer with the award at Lauper's own annual Home for the Holidays benefit concert in Los Angeles on Dec. 10, which is worldwide Human Rights Day. She's being recognized for her lifelong advocacy for the LGBTQ community, including with True Colors United, the nonprofit organization she co-founded in 2008 to work toward ending homelessness among LGBTQ youth.

Of the 4.2 million youth and young adults who experience some form of homelessness in the U.S. every year, up to 40% of them are LGBTQ, according to a 2019 report from True Colors United. The nonprofit offers an array of resources including training and education, technical assistance, advocacy and youth collaboration programs to prevent youth homelessness, while focusing on the unique experiences of LGBTQ young people.

“We are proud to support The High Note Global Initiative in an effort to galvanize global mobilization for human rights, and at the same time honor artists who passionately use their work to promote and protect the rights of others,” said UN Human Rights chief external outreach Laurent Sauveur.

The award was created by producer David Clark, founder of The High Note Global Initiative celebrating artists who fuse music with human rights, of which UN Human Rights is a global partner. Clark has also worked on social justice campaigns like Nelson Mandela's 46664 HIV/AIDS benefit concert series between 2003 and 2008, Muhammad Ali's HEALING initiative promoting racial tolerance and the Anne Frank 75th Birthday Tribute in New York in 2005. Emmy-nominated TV producer Chantel Sausedo serves as executive producer for the High Note Global Initiative.

“We are delighted to recognize and honor Cyndi Lauper as the 2019 High Note Global Prize Laureate," Clark commented. "For decades she has promoted human rights, been a voice and active participant for change, and inspired people around the world to be tolerant and true to themselves. She is most deserving of this award, and we look forward to celebrating her achievements during our inaugural High Note Global Prize award ceremony.”

The star-studded lineup for Lauper's Home for the Holidays concert includes Brandi Carlile, Billy Porter, Henry Rollins, Justin Tranter, King Princess, Marilyn Manson, Kesha and more. As always, all net proceeds from the concert support True Colors United programs.

After the ceremony, Lauper's award will be displayed by the GRAMMY Museum. And going forward, the High Note Global Prize will be presented to one artist annually on Human Rights Day, during a High Note Honors Concert.

Variety: United Nations to Honor Cyndi Lauper for Human Rights Work, Kesha to Present

Mon, 25 Nov 2019 16:13:00 GMT

From: https://variety.com/2019/music/news/cyndi-lauper-united-nations-honor-kesha-1203416243/

The United Nations will award Cyndi Lauper with the first High Note Global Prize award for her promotion of human rights and impacting work to prevent and end homelessness for LGBTQ youth, the organization announced today.

On U.N. Human Rights Day — which is December 10 — the High Note Global Prize will be presented to Lauper by singer Kesha and the U.N. Human Rights organization at Lauper’s “Home for the Holidays” benefit concert in Los Angeles, being held at The Novo at L.A. Live.

U.N. Human Rights is Global Partner of The High Note Global Initiative founded by David Clark, a creator of cause-brands and humanitarian initiatives for President Nelson Mandela, Muhammad Ali, Prince, United Nations, Amnesty International, and The Anne Frank Center, among others.

According to the announcement, Lauper is being recognized for her lifelong advocacy for equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQ) people, as well as the significant achievements made by True Colors United, a nonprofit organization she co-founded in 2008 to prevent and end youth homelessness among LGBTQ youth. In May 2015, her testimony to the U.S. Senate Sub-Appropriations Committee on Transportation and Housing and Urban Development played a leading role in securing approximately $250 million in new annual federal funding over the past four years to invest in preventing and end youth homelessness in over 70 communities across America.

Each year, 4.2 million youth and young adults experience some form of homelessness in the United States and up to 40% of which are LGBTQ. True Colors United develops and implements solutions to youth homelessness that focus on the unique experiences of LGBTQ young people through a wide array of training and education, technical assistance, advocacy, and youth collaboration programs.

“We are proud to support The High Note Global Initiative in an effort to galvanize global mobilization for human rights, and at the same time honor artists who passionately use their work to promote and protect the rights of others,” said Laurent Sauveur, Chief External Outreach, UN Human Rights.

“The High Note Global Prize celebrates artists that have leveraged their musical gifts to create a platform to promote social justice,” said Clark, Creator of The High Note Global Initiative and CEO of David Clark Cause. “We are delighted to recognize and honor Cyndi Lauper as the 2019 High Note Global Prize Laureate. For decades she has promoted human rights, been a voice and active participant for change, and inspired people around the world to be tolerant and true to themselves. She is most deserving of this award, and we look forward to celebrating her achievements during our inaugural High Note Global Prize award ceremony.”

Along with Kesha, celebrities at paying tribute to Lauper and True Colors United on UN Human Rights Day include Billy Porter, Brandi Carlile, Belinda Carlisle, King Princess, Charlie Musselwhite, Henry Rollins, Perry Farrell with Etty Lau Farrell, Justin Tranter, K. Flay, Emily Estefan, Shawn Wasabi, comics Carol Leifer and Lily Tomlin, U.K. comedian Gina Yashere, Margaret Cho, and Carson Kressley, among others to be announced. Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Mariah Carey, Dolly Parton, Lady Gaga, Kelly Clarkson, Dua Lipa, Kacey Musgraves, RuPaul, and Tegan and Sara are among the artists who have donated items and experiences for a charity auction with 100% proceeds supporting True Colors United programs.

GRAMMY.com: Cyndi Lauper Will Receive First-Ever "Nobel Prize In Music"

Mon, 25 Nov 2019 16:10:00 GMT

From: https://www.grammy.com/grammys/news/cyndi-lauper-will-receive-first-ever-nobel-prize-music

GRAMMY-winning singer/songwriter Cyndi Lauper will be honored with the United Nation's first-ever High Note Global Prize for her efforts to end LGBTQ youth homelessness.

The award will be given out annually to an artist who has promoted social justice for over a decade and is in collaboration with High Note Global Initiative, created by producer and entrepreneur David Clark. The initiative celebrates music artists who promote social justice through their music. The award has been referred to as the "Nobel Prize In Music," according to the High Note Global Initiative.

Excited to partner with @HighNoteGlobal, an initiative that celebrates artists promoting social justice through their music. The 2019 prize will be awarded to @cyndilauper for her lifelong dedication to #LGBTQ rights. @DC_Cause #StandUp4HumanRights https://t.co/GR0hVBzEFW

— UN Human Rights (@UNHumanRights) November 26, 2019

GRAMMY-nominated pop singer Kesha will present Lauper with the award during the Cyndi Lauper & Friends: Home for the Holidays benefit concert, taking place at the Novo Theater in Los Angeles on Dec. 10, Human Rights Day.

UN Human Rights Chief External Outreach Laurent Sauver said the award is an effort to inspire more awareness of human rights around the world.

Lauper co-founded True Colors United, an organization fighting against and preventing LGBTQ youth homelessness. According to statistics, roughly 40 percent of homeless youth identify as LGBTQ.

Lauper, whose songs like "Girls Just Want To Have Fun" and "Time After Time" have become classics in American culture, won her first GRAMMY in 1985 in the Best New Artist Category.

Good Morning America: Cyndi Lauper to receive 1st High Note Global Prize for her LGBTQ+ advocacy

Mon, 25 Nov 2019 00:16:00 GMT

musicians

From: https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/culture/story/cyndi-lauper-receive-1st-high-note-global-prize-67327773

Music icon Cyndi Lauper will be honored for showing her true colors.

The legendary recording artist will receive The High Note Global Prize, an award presented to musicians who use their art to promote social justice.

Lauper is the first recipient of the inaugural award from The High Note Global Initiative which is a global partner with United Nations Human Rights. The honor is in recognition of Lauper's passionate work to prevent and end homelessness for LGBTQ+ youth and for promoting human rights worldwide.

“For decades she has promoted human rights, been a voice and active participant for change, and inspired people around the world to be tolerant and true to themselves,” David Clark, creator of The High Note Global Initiative said.

Kesha will present the award during Lauper’s annual Home for the Holidays benefit concert in Los Angeles on Dec. 10, which is also Human Rights Day.

Along with Kesha, celebrities paying tribute to Cyndi Lauper and True Colors United, a nonprofit Lauper founded in 2008, include Billy Porter, Belinda Carlisle, Henry Rollins, Lily Tomlin and more.

Lauper’s award will go on display at the Grammy Museum following The High Note Global Prize ceremony.

Reuters: U.N. awards Cyndi Lauper first social justice prize for LGBT+ work

Tue, 27 Nov 2018 07:14:00 GMT

U.S. singer Cyndi Lauper, who is set to win the United Nations’ new social justice award, said on Wednesday that her drive to end LGBT+ homelessness began in support of family and friends.

Best known for her ‘80s-era pop hits, Lauper will receive the United Nations inaugural High Note Global Prize on Dec. 10 - Human Rights Day - for the work of her charity, True Colors United, to support homeless LGBT+ youth.

“Being an ally came naturally to me. LGBT rights are human rights. It wasn’t in me to stand idly by while my friends and family were being mistreated,” Lauper, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation, describing youth homelessness as an “epidemic”.

“It means a great deal to receive this award because it will help to raise awareness of this issue. It is a fixable problem if we all come together to help these kids.”

True Colors United estimates up to four out of 10 of the 4.2 million homeless young people in the United States are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT+) and works to ensure that services for them are safe and welcoming.

Three-quarters of homeless LGBT+ youth surveyed by True Colors United said they had been in child welfare. These young people are often mistreated in foster care, which can lead to homelessness and sexual exploitation, the charity said.

Lauper will be given the U.N. award at her charity’s annual concert by Grammy-nominated singer Kesha. Billy Porter, star of “Pose” and first openly gay black man to win an Emmy, and singer-songwriter King Princess will also perform at the event.

“For decades she has promoted human rights, been a voice and active participant for change, and inspired people around the world to be tolerant and true to themselves,” said David Clark, creator of the High Note Global Initiative.