Sunday, September 24, 2017

Stevie Wonder Joins Resistance at NYC Concert: ‘Tonight I’m Taking a Knee for America’ (Video)

Stevie Wonder began his performance at the Global Citizen Festival concert in New York’s Central Park on Saturday night by announcing that he was “taking a knee for America.”

“Whenever you need to interrupt hate, stand down bigotry, condemn sexism and find love all of our global brothers and sisters everyday,” the legendary R&B singer said from the stage. “Tonight I’m taking a knee for America.”

Wonder’s gesture comes as President Donald Trump has stepped up his criticism of professional athletes like former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick who have declined to stand during the national anthem.

Also Read: Trump Repeats Call to Fire Athletes Who Kneel for Anthem — And Twitter Isn't Saluting

In the last day, the president has repeatedly attacked what he called “the total disrespect certain players show to our country” and called on the NFL to fire such players.

Wonder, who is blind, was helped to his knee by an assistant, before announcing to the crowd: “But not just one knee. I’m taking both knees.”

He followed by indicating that his gesture was not merely a form of protest but an act of prayer: “Both knees in prayer for our planet, our future, our leaders of the world and our globe, Amen.”

Also Read: Stars Join Anti-Trump Team in Beef With Pro Athletes: 'Kneel So Hard Sunday the Earth Shakes'

“I wanted to see that prayer before I serve you my musical meal. Is that OK?” he said, before kicking off his set with “Master Blaster.”

While singing his hit “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” later in his performance, Wonder offered a shout-out to Senator John McCain (R-Arizona) — who had announced on Friday his plan to reject the latest Republican bill to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act.

Also Read: NFL Chief Roger Goodell Slams Trump's 'Divisive' Call to Fire 'Son of a B–' Players Who Protest

“Sing it for Senator McCain,” Wonder said. “It’s about doing the right thing.”

Before singing “Isn’t She Lovely,” he also mentioned the Jimmy Kimmel’s infant son, whose heart condition led the ABC late-night host to lead the charge for preserving health care protections for Americans, particularly those with pre-existing conditions.

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Source: the wrap feed