The wildfires that have taken over Los Angeles are still active, but in the midst of it all, John Legend took some time to entertain a group of incarcerated firefighters who’ve been on the front lines battling the Eaton Fire in the Pasadena/Altadena area.
On Sunday (Jan. 19), the crooner posted footage after meeting nearly 1,000 members of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (Fire) Camp Program after an “intense” 24-hour shift. Those eligible to partake in the program typically have eight years or less on their sentences, and earn up to $10.24 daily.
Legend described the prisoners as those who are “often the first to arrive and the last to leave and perform the toughest and riskiest tasks to protect our communities.”
He also shared, “Something that stuck with me from this group was that no matter where we come from, we all have the capacity to serve, protect, and rebuild—not just for ourselves but for our community.”
After singing his 2004 classic ballad, “Ordinary People,” the 12-time Grammy winner added, “This is our moment to give them our thanks and support both now and as they work toward building their futures.”
Legend later pushed a message advocating for the prisoners, demanding the push for higher wages and their records to be expunged in an effort to “open pathways to firefighting careers and beyond.”
While some comments criticized Legend’s method of providing entertainment and comfort — with one replying, “That’s the equivalent of singing to slaves to make them feel better” — the singer received an overwhelmingly positive response.
One person thanked him for bringing “awareness” to this issue. Many felt these men should be able to become actual firefighters upon their release. Legend and his family were among many local residents who evacuated their homes amid the initial round of wildfires. They’ve since returned and focused their attention on helping others.
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