John Legend and Common know how to deliver a powerful Oscar acceptance speech.

Just after the musicians finished a captivating performance of their song "Glory" from the Oscar-nominated film Selma, Legend and Common were brought back on stage to accept the Oscar for Best Original Song. And though the two had just a few moments to make compelling speeches, Legend and Common wasted little time getting to the heart of what Selma means today.

"There are more black men under correctional control than there were under slavery in 1850," Legend said. "When people are marching with our song, we want to tell you we see you, we love you and march on."

Their speeches drew praise for their concise and frank observations on racism in America.

"This bridge was built on passion... and elevated on love for all human beings." #Selma #Oscars2015 pic.twitter.com/TGr6WUFNxD — Derrick Clifton (@DerrickClifton) February 23, 2015

Thank you John Legend for that pointed reminder that the struggle for racial equity is FAR from over. #Selma #Oscars — Derrick Clifton (@DerrickClifton) February 23, 2015

And the whole black section of the #Oscars (occupied by #Selma cast/crew) stands for #JohnLegend's truthtelling. The truth shall set us free — Janet Mock (@janetmock) February 23, 2015

.@johnlegend and @common. Made me cry. Love them. Proud of them happy for them. .. — Russell Simmons (@UncleRUSH) February 23, 2015

John Legend: "The Voting Rights Act they fought for, 50 years ago, is compromised right now in this country today" TRUTH. #Oscars2015 — Nerdy Wonka (@NerdyWonka) February 23, 2015

|@common and @johnlegend are the best part of this #Oscars. "It's an artist's duty to reflect the times in which we live." #SelmaIsNow — Kate Sommers-Dawes (@ekatesd) February 23, 2015

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