Connect with us

Entertainment

There’s a Disturbing Truth to John Legend’s Oscar Statement about Prisons and Slavery

Published

on

Common, left, and John Legend perform at the Oscars on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by John Shearer/Invision/AP)

Common, left, and John Legend perform at the Oscars on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by John Shearer/Invision/AP)

Max Ehrenfreund, THE WASHINGTON POST

 
(The Washington Post)—The artists John Legend and Common received an Academy Award Sunday night for “Glory,” their song in the film “Selma.” In his acceptance speech, Legend called for reform of the U.S. criminal justice system. “There are more black men under correctional control today than there were under slavery in 1850,” he noted.

It’s true. There are some, as Politifact has written, 1.7 million black men under some form of correctional control, including probation and parole, excluding those held in local jails on any given day. That is about twice the 870,000 or so black men at least 15 years old who were enslaved in 1850, according to the Census (warning: big file).

 


READ MORE

###

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Activism

Oakland Post: Week of March 4 – 10, 2026

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of March 4 – 10, 2026

Published

on

To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.

Continue Reading

Activism

Oakland Post: Week of February 25 – March 3, 2026

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of – February 25 – March 3, 2026

Published

on

To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.

Continue Reading

Activism

Oakland Post: Week of February 18 – 24, 2026

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of – February 18 – 24, 2026

Published

on

To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.

Continue Reading

Subscribe to receive news and updates from the Oakland Post

* indicates required

CHECK OUT THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE OAKLAND POST

ADVERTISEMENT

WORK FROM HOME

Home-based business with potential monthly income of $10K+ per month. A proven training system and website provided to maximize business effectiveness. Perfect job to earn side and primary income. Contact Lynne for more details: Lynne4npusa@gmail.com 800-334-0540

Facebook

#NNPA BlackPress5 days ago

COMMENTARY: Women of Color Shape Our Past and Future

#NNPA BlackPress5 days ago

Woman’s Search for Family’s Roots Leads to Ancestor John T. Ward – A Successful Entrepreneur and Conductor on the Underground Railroad

#NNPA BlackPress5 days ago

Advocates Raise Alarm Over ICE Operation, MOU and Detention Risks in Baltimore County

#NNPA BlackPress5 days ago

Pete Buttigieg to Join Mayor Randall Woodfin for Community Town Hall in Birmingham

#NNPA BlackPress5 days ago

WATCH: Week One – NNPA’s “Leadership Matters” Video Series

Activism1 week ago

Oakland Post: Week of March 4 – 10, 2026

#NNPA BlackPress1 week ago

OP-ED: NNPA Launches 2026 “Leadership Matters” Video Series

#NNPA BlackPress1 week ago

PRESS ROOM: PMG and Cranbrook Horizons-Upward Bound Launch Journey Fellowship Cohort 2

#NNPA BlackPress1 week ago

Los Angeles Summit Brings Together Leaders to Tackle Poverty and Affordability

#NNPA BlackPress1 week ago

Civil Rights TV Launches 24/7 Network Focused on Black History, Education and Equity

#NNPA BlackPress1 week ago

REVIEW: The Ultimate Hot Girl Summer Getaway: Sunseeker Resort Florida

#NNPA BlackPress1 week ago

COMMENTARY: How You Stop a Prescription Medicine is as Important as How You Start 

#NNPA BlackPress2 weeks ago

PRESS ROOM: From Congress to Corporate America: NNPA Spotlights Visionaries in New Video Series

#NNPA BlackPress2 weeks ago

Poll Shows Support for Policies That Help Families Afford Child Care

Activism2 weeks ago

Oakland Post: Week of February 25 – March 3, 2026

Trending

Copyright ©2021 Post News Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.