George Floyd death: Lizzo sends message to Minneapolis, saying 'protest is not the end, it is the beginning'
Grammy award winner Lizzo has lent her voice to the Black Lives Matter protests that have sparked up all over the country in the wake of the death of George Floyd. The 46-year-old unarmed black man needlessly died at the hands of Minneapolis police in the latest example of senseless police brutality, and thousands of people have since voiced their outrage in a wide-ranging series of protests, street marches, candlelight vigils and social media messages of support.
As a former resident of Minneapolis, where the chilling killing took place, singer Lizzo also voiced her opinion on the matter in a couple of social media posts. Lizzo recently shared a video on Instagram to lend support and positivity after some business districts in the city were ravaged by protestors. She acknowledged that "tensions are high and a lot of injustices are happening," before offering some comforting words for the city she once called home.
She said, "Minneapolis, I love you. I see you. I hear you. I see your truth. I know your heart. You're good people, you are tired of being oppressed." Lizzo also confirmed that she was "100 percent dedicated to helping rebuild Lake Street and rebuilding south side Minneapolis." She added that "there is a history of plainclothes officers and non-Black Lives Matters affiliated parties vandalizing and destroying properties and setting fires."
In the caption of her video, Lizzo said "We Love You Minneapolis. Rest in power George Floyd." She also provided some links for charitable causes where people could make donations, including links to help provide bail money for protestors and community rebuilding. She signed off with some wise words: "There's no need to share the video. Share the protest, share the messaging. Share the movement. But don't share this man's death," she implored. "This is bigger than that. This is about honoring his life and honoring the lives of people of color and black people."
The 32-year-old singer also posted another Instagram video later, where she bluntly stated, "Black people... it is not your job to educate people on racism or white privilege. It is exhausting, and if they don't see it or believe it by now, they don't want to... They can do that [research] by themselves. " She also addressed white people, saying "As long you stay silent, you are a part of the problem. I know you're not racist, but you have to be more than that, you have to be anti-racist. Speak up."
The powerful caption for Lizzo's post read, "Protest is not the end of progress, it is the beginning. I wonder what would happen if all the big companies and celebrities who have shown support on social media came out and used their platform to let activists and protesters speak and be seen?"
She then continued to speak about positive change, saying "I wonder what would happen if we allowed the outrage to have a positive influence in our local government? What would happen if those in power defunded the police and 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."