Last night at the Grammy’s, First Lady Jill Biden announced the winner of the inaugural Song for Social Change award: Iranian singer-songwriter, Shervin Hajipour, whose song “Baraye” became the anthem for the Woman, Life, Freedom movement.
The song amassed tens of millions of views across the world and became a powerful call for fundamental change and human dignity. It was perceived as so much of a threat by the Islamic Republic that they arrested Shervin, accusing him of spreading anti-government propaganda.
Last night, as the world watched, Shervin won one of the biggest creative distinctions on one of the biggest world stages. Watch the clip below:
WATCH FIRST LADY JILL BIDEN HONOR SHERVIN
Last year, many in our community – including NIAC – mobilized in support of Shervin’s nomination. This award shows our collective power when we act together, unified. Tens of thousands of people nominated “Baraye” for this special award and now new light has been shed on the continued demand for freedom and dignity by the Iranian people.
NIAC has and will always stand with the brave people of Iran – who have shown the world courage, ingenuity, and creativity many times over. We congratulate Shervin and hope that his voice and many others will continue to cast a powerful spotlight on the struggles and demands of the Iranian people.
Best,
Jamal Abdi
President, NIAC
