On 22 February, renowned American artist and EGOT winner John Legend visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial to pay tribute to the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi.

Laying a wreath at mass graves where 250,000 victims of the genocide have their final resting-place, Legend toured the memorial’s permanent exhibitions and met with the Aegis Trust’s Founder Dr James Smith, taking time to understand the history of the genocide, the development of Peace and Values Education at the Memorial, and the remarkable journey of reconciliation that it is supporting for the people of Rwanda.

At the end of his visit, John Legend shared reflections about the significance of remembrance, the powerful connections between global genocides and the urgent need to break cycles of hatred and division. The visit, he said, had been “overwhelming”.

“We were sad, we were crying, we were angry, we were heartbroken. But we were also educated—not just about what happened here in Rwanda, but about the connections between different genocides around the world and how inhumane humans can be to each other,” he said. “Seeing those connections was really moving, and a lot of it just makes me think about how we break the cycle. How do we stop doing this to each other?”

On the Power of Memorials in Shaping a Better Future

For John Legend, the role of memorials in global education and remembrance is critical. He acknowledged the important work being done at the Kigali Genocide Memorial and similar institutions worldwide.

“I’m so appreciative of the work that this museum and others like it are doing. I was able to visit a lynching memorial in Montgomery, Alabama, which was influenced by this very memorial. There’s a global network of memorials learning from each other, influencing each other, and helping us all remember the inhumane things we’ve done to each other. But it’s not just about dwelling on the past—it’s about learning from it and growing into a better society.”

“We Can Do Better”

Despite the painful realities of history, Legend remains hopeful about the potential for humanity to unite. When asked about his message to the world in light of ongoing divisions and conflicts, his response was clear:

“We can do better, but part of it is through learning from the past. I believe that humans have the potential to be so loving, so accepting, and so connected. The divisions that make us hate each other—so many of them are not based in any kind of reality.”

He emphasized the importance of recognizing our shared humanity, stating:

“If we were able to understand that we are all connected, that our humanity is intertwined, we would learn how to live together in peace.”