In the months following his passing, the celebrations of Prince’s legacy continue.
On June 7th this year, which would have been his 58th birthday, PETA have re-released his 1998 pro-vegan track Animal Kingdom for fans to download for free. The singer gave the song to the animal rights group as a donation back in 1999.
As a passionate animal rights activist, Prince sang about leading a vegan lifestyle and shared his perspective on why the protection of the “animal kingdom” is important. With lyrics like “no member of the animal kingdom did a thing to me” and “we’re all members of the animal kingdom; Leave your brothers and sisters in the sea,” he presents a strong case in favour of the beliefs of many animal rights activists across the world.
According to The Guardian UK, his ex-wife Mayte Garcia has spoken about the way he thought was the best way to commemorate the day his presence graced the world for the first time. “Prince didn’t want to celebrate birthdays, but to live life, to elevate and educate to the next level of enlightenment,” she said.
She continued, mentioning her plan as she works alongside PETA. “My mission every 7 June is not only to celebrate his birth, but also with Peta to remember this man by making 7 June a day where Prince fans go vegan to see how much better they feel and to honour his kind legacy.”
Back in his hometown of Minnesota, the city’s governor Mark Dayton has announced that his birthday will now be known as ‘Prince Day’. In his official proclamation, he describes Prince’s work as having made “a contribution not only to the global catalogue of music genres, but to Minnesota’s worldwide prominence and its economic growth.”
He also cites a way to properly celebrate the day. “Minnesotans are encouraged to wear purple on Prince Day in honor of The Purple One’s enduring legacy.”
You can hear and download the song from PETA’s website.
Image: Billboard