Harry Belafonte’s Sankofa.org announces the launch of its human rights-focused music and arts festival, set for Oct. 1-2.
John Legend, Common, actor/activist Jesse Williams, comedian Chris Rock, Carlos Santana and Dave Matthews are among the headliners participating in the two-day event Many Rivers to Cross. Described as “the largest music and arts festival dedicated to racial and social justice,” the Oct. 1-2 fest is being presented by the Harry Belafonte-founded organization Sankofa.org. It will take place outside of Atlanta in Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia.
Thus far, the Many Rivers to Cross lineup of performers and activists also includes Public Enemy, Estelle, actor Danny Glover, civil rights advocate/author Michelle Alexander and Dr. Cornel West. More participants will be announced in the coming weeks. In addition to multiple stages for the performances, a “Social Justice Village” will be set up to foster discussion, share ideas and seek solutions concerning human rights issues.
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“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,” actor/humanitarian Belafonte says in a press release announcing the festival. “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.”
Belafonte founded Sankofa.org in 2013. The social justice organization recently partnered with Blackout for Human Rights on the Justice for Flint benefit concert and collaborated with Usher on his “Chains” music video and racial justice campaign.
Tickets for Many Rivers to Cross will go on sale July 29. For more information and updates, visit Sankofa.org.
