Stevie Wonder at the UN

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December 4, 2009




from UN News Centre:

United States singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder is joining the prestigious roster of United Nations Messengers of Peace to advocate for the Organization’s work, with the artist – blind since birth – championing people with disabilities.

“Our newest Messenger of Peace is someone who is admired by millions of people and has given back to millions of people,” Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today ahead of Mr. Wonder’s official designation at a news conference on Thursday.

“I recognize that he has consistently used his voice and special relationship with the public to create a better and more inclusive world, to defend civil and human rights and to improve the lives of those less fortunate. Stevie Wonder is a true inspiration to young people all over the world about what can be achieved despite any physical limitations.”





“Stevie Wonder’s activism has been pivotal in US and world events,” the UN noted in a news release, citing the 1983 campaign he spearheaded to make Martin Luther King Day a national holiday in the US, and his advocacy for ending apartheid in South Africa.

He has been recognized for his philanthropic efforts, including the President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities, the Children’s Diabetes Foundation, Junior Blind of America and the creation of the Wonder Vision Awards Program. For over 10 years, he has provided toys for children and families in need with his annual House Full of Toys benefit concert.

His career as a recording artist has reflected his concern with humanitarian issues. He has written, produced and/or performed songs relative to charities in support of disabilities, AIDS, cancer, diabetes, hunger and homelessness, domestic abuse and many other causes on behalf of children and adults.

read: http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=33118&Cr=Messenger&Cr1=




Also at the ceremony was Susan Rice, the U.S. ambassador to the UN. She described Wonder as a man with the dream of a world where every child, no matter their ability, can get a good education, where people apply for jobs without fear of discrimination, and where people live in their communities without fear.

"Through songs of romance, of heartache, of injustice and heroism, through songs of soul, songs with funk and songs of hope, Stevie Wonder has encouraged all of us never to lose sight of our dreams of a better world," Rice said.

"I think Stevie Wonder captures the significance of this day best with his words when he said, 'Just because a man lacks the use of his eyes doesn't mean he lacks vision."

Wonder himself said in an age when humans travel in space, it is unacceptable that people with disabilities are discriminated against or not accepted as equally productive members of society.

"It is beyond my ability to fathom that 10 percent of people of this world don't matter to the other 90 percent of the people in the world. I'm not able to believe that," he said.

read more: http://www.rferl.org/content/UN_Names_Stevie_Wonder_As_Messenger_Of_Peace/1894837.html



(AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)


video at UN Dispatch: http://www.undispatch.com/node/9217

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1. .

[blonndee]

2. Stevie is an incredible person. LOVE him.

[Shell Beau]

3. I have to say Stevie Wonder kicks major ass.

He is one of the most talented people around, plus he seems to just be awesome all the way around. I love me some Stevie.

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4. me too!

Only a few replies :( What the fuss?

[G_j]

5. K&R