Joseph Benavidez Quotes

To see that I have this huge platform now, and so many people are listening to what I have to say, it really makes me want to orientate toward something that would really educate people, create awareness, do something more than just show them a cute outfit or what I'm having for lunch.

You have so much power to bring awareness, prevention and change.

The fire in the bellies of the good people who work for a more fair and just world for all of us - that spark never fails to inspire me and warm my heart.

Everybody knows what's going on. Even if they don't watch it they know what's happening.

Propaganda has a negative connotation, which it partially deserves, but I think there is some propaganda that is very positive. I feel that if you can do something that gets people's attention, then maybe they'll go and find out more about the person.

I don't think you should necessarily listen to a celebrity just because he is one. But if you can marshal your celebrity and really steep yourself in whatever issue you're trying to promote, it can actually move the ball forward, and we've done that.

Since the age of four, I've been exploring what I can do with the written word: everything from championing literacy and youth voice to raising awareness about world hunger.

If I can raise attention to a cause, I will.

Part of my role and part of my job is to shine a spotlight on issues that need that spotlight, whether it's people, whether it's causes, issues, whatever it is.

My music is made for the people who are willing to stand up to change this world themselves.

There's still injustice happening in my world. I sing my songs at concerts and I'm so grateful that the people are ready to hear them.

When people generally are aware of a problem, it can be said to have entered the public consciousness. When people get on their hind legs and holler, the problem has not only entered the public consciousness -- it has also become a part of the public conscience. At that point, things in our democracy begin to hum.

I don't know how to change the world but I know if I keep talking about how dirty it is out here, somebody gon clean it up.

I'm not trying to amass people in the streets. I just want them to be more aware.

Leaders may inspire, but only when the people decide to act does the leader's vision become a movement.

I heard Dr. King speaking on the radio, and it seemed like he was saying, "John Robert Lewis, you too can make a contribution. You can get involved!"

These people in Mississippi State, they are not "down"; all they need is a chance. And I am determined to give my part not for what the Movement can do for me, but what I can do for the Movement to bring about a change in the State of Mississippi.

My kids have lived experiences that could have never been duplicated otherwise. That's one thing about people who get involved in activism, you live so many experiences that otherwise they wouldn't be there. This is why peoples' lives are so enriched.

The rhythm of being an activist today involves a pretty simple rhythm. You have to open your eyes to the reality before you. You have to look and see.

People need to see what's going on, and they have to be exposed to the mechanisms that can help make it right.

Get informed. Get outraged. Get inspired. Get active.

Hugh [Evans] called us. And obviously this has been on our radar for all the years it's been going on. And each year obviously reaches more and more people, and it's high profile. Hugh reached out to our manager just down the street. And we said we're here [ on GLOBAL CITIZEN in the Central Park] to help and do whatever we can.

The reason we do activism is because, maybe you haven't been raped or abused, but there are millions of people who can't say the same, and when you hear their stories you may be a little bit compelled. And it doesn't have to be dark. In the Congo, there are women who've been raped and re-raped, and they're so powerful, and they can carry trees on their heads, and they're dancing!

But millions at one time, beyond gender or race, had their attention fixed on her, and with that power, she chose to flash the word "feminist" all over our TV screens. If that don't do nothin' but make people Google the word, then that should make every feminist in the world proud.