Chrisette Michele received an avalanche of criticism after it was revealed that she would perform at President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. Responding to the widespread backlash, the R&B songstress has released an open letter, titled “We Can’t Be Present If We’re Silent.”
“My heart is broken for our country, for the hopes of our children, for the fights of those who came before us,” she wrote. “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.”
She continued: “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.”
See her open letter below.
