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John Legend

Source: Tim Mosenfelder / Getty

Singer John Legend is known for lending his voice to social issues and for his latest, he’s trying to tackle mass incarceration. The Ohio-bred crooner has launched a campaign to address the criminal justice system. “We have a serious problem with incarceration in this country,” he said during a recent interview. “It’s destroying families, it’s destroying communities and we’re the most incarcerated country in the world, and when you look deeper and look at the reasons we got to this place, we as a society made some choices politically and legislatively, culturally to deal with poverty, deal with mental illness in a certain way and that way usually involves using incarceration.” Read more.


President Obama Wants to Aid African Countries in Fighting Ebola

Although the Ebola hysteria has died down in the United States, President Obama is still trying to make the effort to aid Africa in fighting the virus. Yesterday, he met with the presidents of Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone; the disease has been prevalent in those three countries. “We have to be vigilant, and the international community has to remain fully engaged in a partnership with these three countries until there are no cases of Ebola in these countries,” said President Obama in a statement. “Health systems also have to be rebuilt to meet daily needs — vaccines for measles, delivering babies safely, treating HIV/AIDS and malaria. And with our Global Health Security Agenda, we intend to do more to prevent future epidemics.” Ebola has claimed the lives of more than 10,000 people since the outbreak started over a year ago.


Sen. Ted Cruz Raises $4M During First Week of Campaign

As President Obama’s time in office comes to an end, presidential candidates are doing all they can in an effort to take his spot. According to a report by the Federal Election Commission, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) has raised over $4 million in the first week of his campaign. There is a $2,700 cap on the amount that a single donor can give per election. Supporters can donate $5,400 for both the primary and general elections. Sen Cruz raised $1.8 million from supporters who gave less than $200, and $1.5 million from those who contributed $2,700 or more. Read more.


Michelle Obama Sheds Light on Gospel Music

First Lady Michelle Obama has never shied away from sharing her affinity for music. Earlier this week during a workshop for students about the history of gospel music hosted by the White House, the First Lady shed light on how the genre is a beacon of hope. “It’s what helps connect us to God, to that higher power,” she said. “For so many, when times have darkened, when there’s struggle, gospel music is that ray of hope and it gives you that strength. There’s nothing like hearing a choir sing an old gospel track. When you hear that, it gets your feet tapping and your heart pumping.” The White House also hosted a concert that featured Pastor Shirley Caesar, Aretha Franklin, Michelle Williams, and other gospel powerhouses. Read more.

PHOTO CREDIT: Getty

News Roundup: John Legend Launches Campaign To End Mass Incarceration…AND MORE  was originally published on newsone.com