Stevie Wonder calls on Biden to launch commission on inequality: ‘It makes me physically sick’

‘I call on all those in the Senate to speak truth to what they know,’ said the iconic musician

Stevie Wonder has called on Joe Biden to launch a commission on inequality in the United States.

The “Sir Duke” singer commemorated Martin Luther King Jr Day (18 January) by imploring the incoming president to tackle inequality issues in the US.

Wonder – who had met King when he was 14 years old – shared a four-minute video on Twitter, in which he told fans that meeting his “true hero” is what encouraged him to “push the needle of love and inequality forward” through his music.

He continued: “It is painful to know that the needle has not moved one iota. You would not believe the lack of progress. 

“It makes me physically sick. I am sick that truth is struggling to be heard and defended.”

Wonder added that “those who promote lies and false truth must be held accountable”.

The 70-year-old proceeded to call on the Biden-Harris administration to launch a formal investigation that will “establish the truth of inequality in this country”.

He added: “In [Martin Luther King Jr’s] spirit, I call on all those in the Senate to speak truth to what they know, they can physically see.”

Stevie Wonder speaks before he performs and before Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden and former President Barack Obama speak at a rally at Belle Isle Casino in Detroit, Mich., Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) (AP)

“Without truth, we cannot have accountability. Without accountability, we cannot have forgiveness. Without forgiveness, we cannot heal,” said the iconic musician.

Wonder’s video comes shortly after a number of artists – including Mary J Blige, Alicia Keys, TI and Ty Dolla $ign – urged the incoming administration to initiate a racial injustice initiative during its first 100 days in office.

President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris are set to be sworn in as America’s 46th president and 49th vice president later today (20 January). 

Lady Gaga is scheduled to sing the national anthem and Jennifer Lopez will provide a musical performance.

You can follow along with live updates on the Inauguration Day concert here.