John Legend is known for his charity work and philanthropic efforts almost as much as his Grammy-winning music.
So the singer-songwriter-pianist was an ideal choice to perform at today's "Sit-In-Stand Out" event at the Carpenter Theatre at Richmond CenterStage.
Legend's performance and Q&A session cap a six-day remembrance of the 50th anniversary of the Thalhimers Sit-In for Civil Rights.
On Feb. 22, 1960, a group of 34 Virginia Union University students were arrested after holding a sit-in protest at the "whites-only" lunch counter at Thalhimers department store.
CenterStage now resides on the Thalhimers site.
Legend, 31, said in an interview last week that he is well-aware of the sit-ins during the civil-rights era -- though not the Richmond events specifically -- and thought it was important to observe the movement.
"I've spent a lot of time listening to music all my life, and music from that era has been influential to me as a musician," Legend said. "[This event] really honors the legacy of the people who fought really hard, and it makes you appreciate the progress that has been made."
Legend first heard about the plans for Richmond's commemoration through Sheila Johnson, Virginia billionaire businesswoman, arts patron and co-founder of Black Entertainment Television.
"We're always inclined to say yes to her," Legend said with a laugh. "We try to help her whenever possible when it comes to the arts or education in general."
His plans for tonight's show include speaking to the audience, performing several songs and fielding a Q&A session.
"These people struggled and faced adversity, but they believed in the idea that change is possible and they saw it through," Legend said.
"We should be doing the same things now when we see injustice."
Contact Melissa Ruggieri at (804) 649-6120 or mruggieri@timesdispatch.com.
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