Tuesday, November 26, 2013 3:05pm ET by  
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Macklemore and Ryan Lewis named 'Equality Champions' by the UN

'Thrift Shop' hitmakers Macklemore and Ryan Lewis have joined a campaign called 'Free & Equal', which is fronted by the United Nations, as Equality Champions. 

The pair, who made an important point about the fight against racism during their American Music Awards acceptance speech, have signed up to be a part of the campaign after it was launched in July and it strives for equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

The rap duo will promote the cause via their official social media networks and Macklemore released a statement about being the new face of the campaign, in which he explained:

"We're so honored to be working with the United Nations and Free & Equal to help spread a message of equality and respect. Ryan and I have always believed that human rights are for everyone – no exceptions."

At the weekend's AMAs, Macklemore told viewers along with the event-goers: "I was talking to my friend... before the show and he reminded me of a great Martin Luther King quote -- 'Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.' And due to the fact that we are in Florida tonight accepting this award, I want to acknowledge Trayvon Martin and the hundreds and hundreds of kids that are dying due to racial profiling and the violence that follows it. This is really happening. Our friends, our neighbors, our peers our fans and it's time that we look out for the youth and fight against racism and the laws that protect it."

 

 

Watch the superstars talk about equality here: