Lizzo took to Instagram Live on Sunday May 31st to deliver an emotional message about the current state of the world, specifically the state of the city where she began her recording career, Minneapolis.

Large groups of protesters have taken over the city of Minneapolis, and now all over the world in response to the brutal murder of George Floyd, a unarmed black man who was murdered by the hands of a police officer. Lizzo remarked on her Instagram live, “What they just told me is at this point all the violence, the majority of the violence that’s happening in that city is coming from the KKK and the heavily militarized police. There are people coming from the south, there are white supremacist terrorist groups coming from the south, patrolling the streets, shooting people. It’s never black people, it’s always white people using the term ‘race war,'” Lizzo spelled out. “We don’t want that sh-t. We want what we’ve always wanted from the beginning of being in this f–king country, the same right that all these other people have. It’s not this difficult. I’ve been trying to stay composed this entire time. I’m really working on it this entire time.”

Lizzo also recalls a time where her voice wasn’t heard, based on her race and gender. “Nobody seems to care about the way that black women feel,” the ‘Truth Hurts’ singer remarks. “I wasn’t in this position a year ago, [with] this profile. This many people didn’t know who I was a year ago. I remember every time these things happened…I would look to these famous people and say, ‘Where are your voices? Why aren’t you speaking up for us?’ I have to realize that responsibility as well. It would irresponsible of me to not reflect the times, irresponsible to not tell the truth.”

Lizzo, like many other protesters, are frustrated with the wrong narrative being portrayed in the media. She also addresses black people directly, with understanding and compassion over the horrific recent events.

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CA3CvWlAP0f/

 

Her message is quite clear. “Black people, it is not your job to educate people on racism and white privilege. It is exhausting, and if they don’t see it or believe it by now, they don’t want to.” Lizzo is sharing a sentiment that is hitting home for many who are tired of reiterating the same message.

Lizzo ends her video with this final message.  “What would happen if those in power defunded the police & dismantled their racist culture and corrupt power structures? Cities are burning, are you watching? I stand with Minneapolis. I believe in us. Change is gonna come. #blacklivesmatter.”

 

Filed under: lizzo