John Legend named 1st recipient of new social justice award

John Legend is expected on a Massachusetts college campus this week to receive a social justice award.

The singer-songwriter becomes the first recipient of the Salem Advocate for Social Justice award when he accepts the honour Tuesday at Salem State University.

Legend is to perform and also discuss his work on criminal justice, education and other issues at the event.

The Salem Award Foundation for Human Rights and Social Justice bestows the award to recognise those who champion social justice issues and advocate for people who are underrepresented.

This is the first year the award will be given.

Legend has won 10 Grammy Awards. He co-wrote the song Glory that was featured in the 2014 film Selma and that won an Academy Award and Golden Globe Award.