This Black History Month, I am sharing 28 stories of Black women who shaped me and showed me the way towards liberation. Because Black women are often not cited for their ideas, I thought this would be one way to give flowers to those who influenced me.
On Day 21, I would like to celebrate the amazing musician, Lizzo, who consistently uses her platform to spread joy and lift up and celebrate other women.
Lizzo grew up in Houston. She is a classically trained flutist, and began rapping in high school at the age of 14. Her first solo album, Lizzobangers, was released in 2013, and Lizzo has continued to rise since that album debuted. She had her big breakthrough when her third album, Cuz I Love You, was released in 2019.
I absolutely love Lizzo’s music. At this year’s Grammys, Lizzo said that she “wanted to make music that was positive and celebrated -radical self love to make the world a better place.” Her music is full of joy, love, and body positivity.
I admire the way Lizzo has consistently used her platform to celebrate others. When she won the 2022 Grammy for Record of the Year, she gave a lovely shout out to Beyonce and what she means to her (especially important given the bias of the academy for Black women who “win too much” https://lnkd.in/gEB9YV_K) Lizzo had a reality competition show looking for backup dancers that had body types that looked like her. Instead of the typical reality show where contestants are regularly eliminated and pitted against each other, Lizzo chose to NOT have an elimination element to her show because she wanted to uplift and celebrate the dancers. At the People’s Choice Awards in 2022, Lizzo won the People’s Champion Award. After quickly thanking her mom for introducing her and the selection committee,, she used the rest of her time to honor and celebrate 17 activists working towards social justice. (https://lnkd.in/gf3shVHd) Lizzo embodies community care.
Lizzo also shows us what true accountability looks like. When she released her third album, one of the songs contained an ablest slur - the backlash was swift. Within days, Lizzo changed the lyrics and re-released the song. When some people criticized her for making a change, Lizzo said she was proud to re-release the song saying, “As an influential artist I’m dedicated to being part of the change I’ve been waiting to see in the world.” Lizzo showed that to be in true solidarity with others, we must take accountable actions when we cause harm.. https://lnkd.in/gXX2EFau
Thank you, Lizzo, for giving us your wonderful, joyful music, for using your platform to spread joy and uplift others, and being an example of being accountable to those we want to be in solidarity with! #28LoveLetterstoBlackWomen#BlackHistoryMonth2023#Day21
Image Description: Picture of Lizzo at the 2020 Grammy's. She is wearing a white strapless dress and a double-stranded diamond necklace.
Comments