On Wednesday (January 18), it was announced that Grammy Award-winning singer Chrisette Michele had accepted an offer to perform at President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration Friday (January 20). According to the New York Daily News, Michele’s camp had kept this information under wraps for over a week to avoid the negative backlash artists like Jennifer Holliday received after it was revealed she was tied up with Trump. (She eventually dropped out because of the pressure.) While many fans of Michele were expecting a similar result, she apparently had other plans. After suddenly making her social media accounts private, it took less than 24 hours for her to come to a resolution.
In a press email dubbed an “Open letter via Chrisette Michele,” the singer wrote: “My heart is broken for our country, for the hopes of our children, for the fights of those who came before us. I cry at the thought that Black History, American History might be in vain. This country has had great moments. God has shined His light upon us. Today, I hope that Great Moments begin in peaceful & progressive conversation. I am willing to be a bridge. I don’t mind ‘These Stones,’ if they allow me to be a voice for the voiceless. I am here. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, ‘Our lives begin to end, the day we become silent about what matters.’ I am here, representing you, because this is what matters.”
Accompanied by the hashtag, #NoPoliticalGenius, and a quote that read, “We can’t be present if we’re silent,” the statement was shared on her personal blog, but rings completely hollow. Instead, it comes across as a weak attempt at pacifying upset fans while essentially saying, “Forget about the blatant racism Trump exudes and instead join me in celebrating this momentous occasion.”
Um, no.
If Michele wanted her voice to truly be heard, she could have stepped out of the commitment (or not accepted it at all), and that simple action would have resonated loudly, making it clear she would not tolerate the racist, misogynistic and egocentric makeup of America’s incoming POTUS. Director Spike Lee took to Instagram to express his feelings on the matter and was joined by a seemingly endless list of people who feel similarly.
Michele has less than 24 hours to decide whether or not to go through with it, but chances are this is a done deal. In the process, she will lose the support of countless people who once admired her. In fact, she already has.
Nobody cares. Why are you trying to divide people?
Pretty sure it’s actually about unifying people to do the right thing, which is to stand up against racism, sexism, homophobia, etc. I don’t see what’s wrong with that unless you think those things are acceptable. And you cared or you wouldn’t be clicking on this.
raise your hand if you honestly gave a shit about Chrisette Michele before this (for at least the last 2-3 years)….yeah lol I would agree with what you’re saying, as far as standing up for what’s right, if the truth of the matter was that everyone complaining about this garbage inauguration concert wouldn’t say shit if Hillary was president.. people are acting like this country started 8 years ago and there haven’t been any shit presidents before
Word
I have no problem with her performing and receiving a hefty payment for it.
Most of us I’m America work directly and indirectly with/for bigots. Who do you think owns all of entertainment(companies)? All these big corps are controlled but them. So if she shouldn’t perform then every entertainer, blue and white collar workers should stop working and spending their money on anything. People always have a reason to go against somebody when most people are supportive and don’t even know it. As Blacks we have to find a better way to send a message!
Yep exactly. One side of the story.
I blame the world for this. She should be up there with the likes of Beyonce and Rihanna. Some of her songs and albums are amazing. Maybe cause she doesn’t flash her ass?
Stupid B shouldve read Malcolm X ballot or the bullet! Disgusted with these dumbazz sellouts!!
Sell out? The exact definition of these celebs on the left. Call a woman a bitch because she has opinions of her own, bet you feel superior
This bitches pockets are hurting and Trump is the only one willing to pay for her bullshit. This doesnt have sit to do with MLK or bridges, dumb hoe.
The whole MLK family voted for Trump. Your calling this woman a bitch and a hoe makes you no better than what you think Trump is.. grow up you low life bum
Mlk king family maybe has different views then mlk him self, his point is still valid
That was for smh
Kyle Eustice deletes comments that hurt his feelings. Talk shit about a person and gets sensitive when someone criticizes him… Typical lefty Kyle Eustice you are a part of the problem that is dividing this great country you weak minded fool. “Um no” I bet you typed that and did a finger snap you nancy boy.. God bless Chrisette Michele
So thats the name of the guy who sensors posts. Could the hip hop dx staff at least take a vote before deleting someones post.
i think Chresette is the only artist who is intelligence is not social engineered , all the black celebrity including the black lives matter so called “black movement” are licking Soros,Clintins,bushes asses . there so called Afrikan American people are too dumb . “you can fool some people all the time, but you cant fool all people all the time” . Best of luck to Mr Trump we are tired of the wars in middle east , NATO , black genocide under black president, media propaganda , planned protest by soros ngos, death to all of that God give more life to Iran , China, Russia , Phillipine,North Korea , Brics .
Who?
In her place I would start performing and in the middle of the show I’d tear of my nice cloth, and they would see another cloth with the Mexican flag.
Black people vote off of emotion and personality or whether they like a person or not. Thats why Obama was elected twice without doing anything for black people or getting some massive criticism. White people and other groups vote based on policies that would benefit them as a group. Why are Black people taking the forefront for the fight against Trump. it would make more sense for Mexicans and Muslims to do that. When it comes to our battles when do they show up in mass. We should let them fight their own battles. What has Trump really said or done to upset Black people. Is it the false or deceptive mainstream news articles that are getting people angry. If people would analyze his policies instead of being caught up in headlines some of them are actually good. Personally I’m and independent politically and I think that Black people should leave the democratic and republican party. Why do the democrats deserve pur vote when they don’t do anything for us. THey just automatically expect our support while doing things for other groups.