We can bomb the world to pieces, but we can't bomb it into peace. Michael Franti bombpeacepiece Change image and share on social
It doesn't matter if you're black, white, gay, straight, come from different countries, different language... every single person is significant and is meaningful. Michael Franti blackcountrygay Change image and share on social
Not all artists have a responsibility to be socially or politically aware, but they do have a responsibility to make great art. They have to find some truth and put that in their music. Michael Franti artartistaware Change image and share on social
Playing on the streets of Iraq, or in Israel or the Gaza strip, I'd sing angry protest songs against war. People would say, 'Make us clap, make us dance, and laugh and sing.' It really made me think about the importance of happy music. Michael Franti angryclapdance share on social
I took a trip in 2004, a year after the war started in Iraq. I played music on the streets of Baghdad for Iraqi civilians. I'd also play for U.S. soldiers at night when they were off duty in the bars. Then I would talk to people, and I would film them and ask them about their life and the conflict. Michael Franti baghdadbarcivilian share on social
I went to the University of San Francisco on an athletic scholarship. I didn't study in high school. I was just there to get by and to play basketball. But a funny thing happened to me when I got to college. I got challenged by the work and the professors. Michael Franti athleticbasketballchallenge share on social
Investing now in safe-guarding people by helping them to adapt to climate change, will help save money and lives while building resilience. Michael Franti adaptbuildchange Change image and share on social
Jamaica's a country of great dichotomy. On the one hand you have a tourist industry with great beaches and resorts, but on the other you have such great poverty and the violence that goes along with that. Michael Franti beachcountrydichotomy share on social
My house was filled with music. We had a piano, and my brothers and sisters played instruments. Even though I was around it, I played basketball. Michael Franti basketballbrotherfill Change image and share on social
Rap has so many possibilities that need to be explored. There are different factions of rap, but some are in a rut. Rap doesn't have to be about boosting egos and grabbing your crotch and dissing women. There's a way to make political and social issues interesting and entertaining to the young rap audience. Michael Franti audienceboostcrotch share on social