Stevie Wonder calls on Biden and Kamala to establish a 'Truth Commission' to investigate racial inequality and says he's 'sickened by politicians trying to find an easy solution to a 400-year problem'
Stevie Wonder is urging the incoming Biden administration to form a national 'Truth Commission' to investigate racial inequality in America.
The music legend, 70, made the request in a video message posted to his Twitter account on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, saying he is 'sick politicians trying to find an easy solution to a 400-year problem'.
Speaking directly to the late Dr. King, Wonder stated: For 35 years, we've had a national holiday honoring your birthday and principles, and you would not believe the lack of progress. It makes me physically sick.
'I am sick of some people using God as a convenience rather than a commitment. I am sick of lies and deceit that dominate our reality. I am sick that truth is struggling to be heard and defended'.
Wonder then stated: 'I'm calling upon President Biden and Vice President Harris to launch a formal government investigation to establish the truth of inequality in this country'.
Neither Biden or Harris have publicly responded to the request.
Wonder has been a prominent supporter of President-elect Biden, and has played at his campaign shows.
Stevie Wonder is urging the incoming Biden administration to form a national 'Truth Commission' to investigate racial inequality in America. He is pictured performing at a campaign event for Biden in October last year
Wonder was also integral in helping to establish Martin Luther King Jr. Day - an annual public holiday observed on the third Monday of January to honor the Civil Rights activist.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day has been celebrated in the US every year since 1986.
Wonder met Dr. King in 1964 - four years before his assassination in Memphis, Tennessee.
Wonder started off his video message, which was a direct address to the late historical figure, by stating: 'Dear Dr King, I met you when I was 14 years of age. You were a true hero and you became an inspiration.
'More than any award I've ever received, I want you to know that I am thankful for how you influenced my place of love, which allowed me to try to push the needle of love and equality forward. It is painful to know that needle has not moved one iota.
'For 35 years, we've had a national holiday honoring your birthday and principles, yet you would not believe the lack of progress.'
Neither Biden or Harris have publicly responded to the request. They will be sworn into office on Wednesday
Wonder met Dr. King in 1964 - four years before his assassination in Memphis, Tennessee
Wonder stated that the establishment of a 'Truth Commission' might be the only way forward.
'Without truth, we cannot have accountability. Without accountability, we cannot have forgiveness. Without forgiveness, we cannot heal,' he stated.
Wonder proclaimed that the commission would 'validate the truth and will recommend reconciliation'.
He concluded: 'It is time for all to take the only stand. We can not be afraid to confront a lie and a liar. Those in leadership who won´t or don´t acknowledge the truth should be held accountable. Dr. King, these times require courage, as they did when you lived and paid the ultimate price.'
Wonder's message came on the same day that Dr King's oldest son, Martin Luther King III, stated that his father would be 'greatly disappointed' in the state of the nation were he alive today.
'My father always believed in the people of our nation,' he told CNN.
'Certainly, he would be greatly disappointed in how we have chosen to conduct ourselves at this particular moment, but most particularly probably disappointed in the commander in chief, because the commander in chief is supposed to bring people together and not to bring people together to actually intercept your government.
'If he saw the issues of poverty and income inequality that exist today he would be greatly disappointed.
Wonder's message came on the same day that Dr King's oldest son, Martin Luther King Jr. III , stated that his father would be 'greatly disappointed' in the state of the nation were he alive today
Martin Luther King Jr. Day has been celebrated in the US every year since 1986