festivals

Chris Rock, Jesse Williams, John Legend, Common Among Headliners for Social-Justice Festival

Lee Daniels'
Photo: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

In just the past few weeks’ strife around police brutality, artists in increasing numbers have spoken out about the nation’s racial turmoil, blurring the line between artist and activist. Now, those intertwined interests will have a forum of their own: the Many Rivers to Cross festival. Chris Rock, John Legend, Jesse Williams, and Common are among the headliners that will appear at the inaugural Many Rivers to Cross, a music and arts festival that is centered around human rights. According to Sankofa.org, the Harry Belafonte–founded organization behind the two-day event, Many Rivers to Cross will be “the largest music and arts festival dedicated to social justice.” Dave Matthews and Carlos Santana will also serve as headliners, while Dr. Cornel West, Danny Glover, Public Enemy, Estelle, and Michelle Alexander are among other guests slated to appear. The festival will take place October 1-2 in Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia. In a statement announcing the festival, Belafonte said: “Many Rivers will be an opportunity for artists to mobilize audiences through their music and to stir up America’s collective consciousness and commitment to progressive action,” according to Billboard. He added: “It will also provide a crucial space for these artists to connect and collaborate with activists, thought leaders and community organizers from across the country and use their platforms to amplify ideas and solutions to advance human rights for all.”

Rock, Williams, Legend Set for Human-Rights Fest