Video: John Legend - 'Surefire'

John Legend makes a statement.

Showing the power of love and unity with a socio-political tilt, the R&B crooner unleashes the romantic and moving visual for “Surefire,” the latest single off his fifth studio album, Darkness and Light.

Directed by Cole Wiley and executive produced by Legend himself, the endearing clip begins with a Hispanic mechanic, Roberto, who falls in love with his boss’ Muslim daughter, Jamila. Despite the video’s heartwarming qualities, there are also moments of despair. That’s because their multi-cultural love isn’t necessarily celebrated by Jamila’s father or by a prejudice pedestrian.

More gloom follows when Roberto is deported by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Torn by the split, Jamila goes on a search to find her lover with a blessing from her mother. When they’re finally reunited, they’re joined by their parents, staring at the border barricade that’s deeply changed their lives.

Speaking of the moving video — which was shot in Los Angeles, San Diego, El Centro, Jamul, and Joshua Tree — Legend said that it’s meant to evoke feelings about love. “Love is powerful,” he said. “Love endures. Love can overcome the divisions that fear creates. We made this film to accompany my song ‘Surefire’ and to celebrate the power of love. ‘Surefire’ is a song about eternal faith. Faith that love is the most powerful force in the universe.”

Last night, Legend took the stage at the Billboard Music Awards to perform his new single. He also joined Florida Georgia Line on a stripped-down piano version of the country duo’s single “H.O.L.Y.”

Legend is currently in the midst of his “Darkness and Light Tour,” which is set to continue through June 27 in New York. After that, he will perform at the ESSENCE Festival in New Orleans on June 30.