Global Goal: Unite for Our Future kicks off with uplifting Jennifer Hudson performance as Dwayne Johnson hosts
The Grammy-award winning singer Jennifer Hudson kicked off proceedings for the Global Goal: Unite for Our Future concert, which began promptly at 2 pm ET. The massive music spectacle is being live-streamed worldwide to draw attention to the communities deeply affected by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, and aims to bring financial aid and medical support to the impoverished and afflicted sections of society, including marginalized minorities and people of color.
Jennifer Hudson began by encouraging us all to create good change in the world, before starting things off with a soothing and moving number called 'Where Peaceful Waters Flow', made famous by Gladys Knight and the Pips. The songs flowing lyrics perfectly complemented the setting since Hudson chose to perform her song on an East River ferry. As expected, Hudson's rendition was exceptional and passionate, bringing out the intensity behind the lines like "Now if the sunshine hurts your eyes / Then it's time for you to realize, boy / Beyond this moment there's a better day."
Hudson's incredible performance was followed by the concert's host, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson making his first appearance. Striking a grave and somber tone, Johnson talked about the millions of lives impacted by the COVID-19 virus. He also touched on the twin issues of oppression and racial inequality, saying that the death of George Floyd was a flashpoint that highlighted the horrendous, systemic racism and civil injustice that plagued our current reality. He also revealed we needed to recognize that the health of poverty-stricken people was at greatest risk during these turbulent times. Drawing our attention to the plight of African-Americans and people of color, Johnson told the worldwide audience that access to health and equality was a fundamental right, which could not be dictated by income or race. "Today, we unite for our future," the actor said in closing, before the For Love Choir sang 'Freedom' by Beyonce in another spectacular and emotive performance.
People on social media were excitedly tweeting their reactions to these inspiring stars. One fan was blown away by Jennifer Hudson's performance, saying "OMG girl that was stunning!!!" Another fan said, "Fantastic start to the concert! Beautiful song choice, another perfect performance from J-HUD." Other viewers were also agreeing with Dwayne Johnson's sentiments, saying "Thanks for stepping up @TheRock. It takes courage to risk what you have. Thank [you] for being an awesome human being. I'm just a little person in the middle of nowhere trying to make a difference... with people like you we stand a chance and change."
Another fan concluded, "Let’s just make @TheRock President. He can hit @realDonaldTrump with a chair and [Vince] McMahon can gape and stagger around and we move on."