Usher Raymond IV is not your average celebrity. The man does not put his name ahead of charities for a beneficiary PR status, but instead supports several causes as anonymously as possible. The R&B singer’s Instagram page proves just that. When he isn’t spending time with his boys, the Grammy winner is engaged in music making or helping others.
And Usher’s latest post to social media is an urgent message to the masses about voting. He posted a photo of Medgar Evers, a public activist who died in 1963 at only 37 years old, the exact age Usher is now. Evers was a war veteran who was assassinated for participating in the Civil Rights Movement. Through the caption the singer reminded us, “Many whom died for us to vote remind us that our voice is our power [sic].” He also added the hashtags, “Ancestors,” “Notjustyet,” “Votingisyourvoice,” and “Don’tlookaway.” He went on to quote the man in the image, writing, “You can kill a man, but you can’t kill an idea.”
With over 7,000 likes in less than an hour, it seems that a lot of Usher’s followers got the message. They left comments such as, “God bless u! Needed this reminder [sic],” and, “I miss him.” However, one fan really got the gist of it all, and blatantly called out the difference in his posts, writing, “It’s crazy how since he started posting facts his likes have reduced, people are so funny. Anyway I love you Ush, keep preaching the truth, we all need it! [sic]”
Many whom died for us to vote remind us that our voice is our power. #ancestors #notjustyet #votingisyourvoice #dontlookaway “You can kill a man, but you can’t kill an idea” -Medgar Evers
Usher’s latest song, “Chains,” is the base of his of pro-humanitarian posts. He channels his thoughts and influence through his music and, more aptly, reflects the country’s current situation better than any other musician. The music video for “Chains” sends a message regarding the injustice done to innocent young people only because of their skin color. Usher has previously cited Harry Belafonte, an iconic black artist and social activist, as his greatest guide, guru, and mentor, even calling him like his own father once.
Sources:
Usher, Instagram post, November 16, 2015.
“Usher – Chains ft. Nas, Bibi Bourelly,” YouTube video, 3:42, October 22, 2015.
