In support of Fair Fight, a voting rights organization launched by Stacey Abrams that aims to raise awareness about election reform in Georgia, Kerry Washington hosted a virtual Rock the Runoff concert on Thursday with performances from a lineup of major talent including John Legend, Justin Timberlake and Lin-Manuel Miranda.
The livestream opened with rappers Ludacris and Jermaine Dupri performing on a rooftop. Kerry Washington took the microphone after that, noting that voting rights have “been historically withheld from minority groups.” She asked that viewers support Fair Fight in their mission to protect voting rights.
Washington introduced Stacey Abrams, who declared, “Here in Georgia, we got it done on Nov. 3rd.” She clarified that the work isn’t done, however. “We need your help to protect voting rights and elect progressive leaders.” Abrams said that the upcoming runoff election for U.S. senate seats is “critical,” urging the need for voters to elect leaders who will expand access to healthcare. “We can and must come together to decisively elect these candidates.”
Those who need to vote can register at peachvote.com by this Monday.
Kicking off the second performance of the evening was Audra McDonald, performing “Georgia on my mind.” Ben Gibbard from Death Cab for Cutie followed with a rendition of “Me and Magdalana.”Abrams said that with this election, the end goal is to “change America.”
She clarified that many different groups are working together with communities of color to raise awareness and share information about registering to vote and why it is so crucial. “Every voice matters and every voice counts,” she said, adding that Georgians have the power in their hands. “This concert, this moment, is about you,” she said, speaking directly to voters.
Those outside of Georgia can donate by going to fairfight.com, while Abrams also shared the reminder that using social media to spread awareness and ask people about why this election affects them is also tremendously beneficial.
As the performances continued, Timberlake and Ant Clemons debuted their new song, “Better Days” and Legend performed “Never Break.” The livestream also featured Michael Stipe of R.E.M. in addition to Broadway performers including Josh Gad, Billy Porter, Ben Platt and more.
Common, who performed twice during the evening, closed out the livestream by encouraging everyone to vote. “We can win the Senate,” he said.
Learn more about Fair Fight here.
This article originally appeared in THR.com.
