FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Ejita Holmes, [email protected]

Michael Franti and fellow honorees Jason Chapin, Rick Korn, and S.A. Baron’s celebrated for their commitment to ending hunger at gala hosted by LaChanze

NEW YORK (August 6, 2024) – WhyHunger, a global nonprofit dedicated to ending hunger and advancing the human right to nutritious food, is proud to announce Michael Franti will receive the prestigious ASCAP Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award during the Annual WhyHunger Chapin Awards on September 9, 2024 at Cipriani 25 in New York City.

The ASCAP Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award honors philanthropic artists who have utilized their unique talents and global influence to inspire change and foster social justice. This year's award celebrates Michael Franti’s remarkable contributions to music, activism, and humanitarian efforts. Franti joins the ranks of past honorees, including Barbra Streisand, Elvis Costello, Emmylou Harris, Grace Potter, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, Harry Belafonte, Jackson Browne, Jason Mraz, John Mellencamp, Jon Batiste, Judy Collins and Pete Seeger.

Michael Franti has spent his career using music as a powerful vehicle for spreading hope, positivity, and connection. His dedication to social justice is evident through his activism and philanthropy, which spans numerous causes and organizations. Franti’s work with his and his wife Sara’s non-profit, Do It for the Love, has been sending children and adults with life-threatening illnesses, special needs, and wounded vets to shows all over the world for over a decade. Michael’s work with Everytown/Mom’s Demand Action, The Last Prisoner Project, Reverb, The Bamboo Foundation, Conscious Alliance, and more exemplifies his commitment to creating lasting change in various communities. His involvement with WhyHunger and numerous other charitable organizations underscores Franti’s dedication to ensuring everyone has access to nutritious food and the opportunity to thrive. Franti and his band, Spearhead, will provide a special performance during the ceremony.

LaChanze, the Tony Award-winning actor, producer, and advocate will host the evening's celebration. Additional honorees include Jason Chapin, Rick Korn, and S.A. Baron who will be presented with the Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award for their philanthropic efforts and dedication to WhyHunger and numerous other vital causes. The awardees’ work in producing and directing the documentary Harry Chapin: When In Doubt, Do Something .and the upcoming "Cats in The Cradle” 50th Anniversary documentary continues to advance Harry Chapin's legacy and commitment to food and social justice, with both projects benefiting WhyHunger and other charities close to Chapin's heart.

Michael Franti expressed his gratitude, stating, “I am deeply honored to receive the ASCAP Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award from WhyHunger. This recognition is a testament to the power of music and community in creating positive change. I'm inspired to continue our shared vision of spreading love and compassion, ending hunger, and uplifting those in need through every note and lyric." 

The Chapin Awards Gala raises critical funds to support WhyHunger’s work to end hunger and advance the human right to nutritious food. WhyHunger provides funding, training, and other resources to grassroots organizations and social movements across the United States and 23 countries, championing local control of food access from seed to market to plate.

For more information about WhyHunger and The Chapin Awards, please visit whyhunger.org/ChapinAwards. Michael Franti is managed by Activist Artists Management.

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About WhyHunger
Founded in 1975 by the late Harry Chapin and radio DJ Bill Ayres, WhyHunger funds and supports community solutions to protect the human right to food. In nearly five decades of innovation and evolution, our programs and our grassroots partners in 24 countries have expanded agricultural practices that are better for the planet, helped communities address the root causes of hunger, and ensured access to nutritious food for millions of people. As a grassroots support organization, we stand behind the leadership of the people most impacted by hunger and injustice. We prioritize providing resources to support the rights of communities who have been historically excluded from defining and controlling their food systems. We advocate for workers’ rights and champion agroecological food production that unites science and sustainability with Indigenous knowledge and wisdom. Together we can build socially and economically just food systems that nourish all people and the environment. Learn more at whyhunger.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram.