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"Devastated" Lizzo Breaks Down Over the Death of Activist Influencer Shirley Raines
Lizzo is honoring a community legend.
After the death of Beauty 2 The Streetz founder Shirley "Ms. Shirley" Raines, an activist known for helping those who have experienced homelessness, the Grammy winner tearfully reflected on Shirley's impact.
“Shirley Raines founder of Beauty2theStreetz, incredible woman, leader in her community passed away last night,” Lizzo said in a video shared to Instagram Stories Jan. 28. “And I am devastated. If any of you know, about any of my Juneteenth give backs, Shirley is always part of them, every single year.”
The “About Damn Time” singer recalled the moments she was able to publicly honor Shirley—who amassed a following on TikTok displaying her work in communities on Skid Row in Los Angeles and in Nevada—and highlight the times she was able to personally contribute to her mission.
“I had so many clothes and I saw that she was going to Skid Row and she was going to homeless communities and she was beautifying them,” Lizzo shared. “Helping them feel seen. Helping them feel beautiful, giving them makeovers, haircuts, clothes. And she used to joke like, ‘Girl, everybody be in your clothes. I got on Lizzo’s coat.’”
Lizzo also recounted the moment Shirley, 58, personally shared how much the singer’s contributions meant when clothing items were in high demand.
“I sent whatever I had,” the 37-year-old said. “And even asked Yitty to send me stuff. She was like, ‘You made the plus sized girls so happy, they feel so fly.’”
Beyond the impact Shirley had on her community, Lizzo became emotional as she shared their personal relationship.
(Photo by Paras Griffin/WireImage)
“She would always write me when I was going through things,” she said. “And when the public was turning its back on me, she never did. She was like, ‘Stay encouraged.’ She would always send me messages of love and she never ever, ever asked for anything in return.”
“People like her are rare, special and they deserve to be protected and honored,” the musician added. “And I’m so grateful I was able to give her her flowers when she was here.”
Lizzo encouraged her followers to look up to Shirley and continue her mission of giving back.
“She overserved the underserved and she helped the marginalized feel important,” she said through tears. “We’re going to miss you and we’re going to need you, Shirley. I’m so sad that you’re gone.”
After her passing, Shirley—whose videos included her passing out hygiene products, snacks, food and more to those in need—was remembered by her organization, who expressed their “devastation’ over her loss.
“Ms. Shirley dedicated her life to serving others and made an immeasurable impact on homeless communities throughout Los Angeles and Nevada,” the statement shared to Instagram Jan. 28 read. “Through her tireless advocacy, deep compassion, and unwavering commitment, she used her powerful media platform to amplify the voices of those in need and to bring dignity, resources, and hope to some of the most underserved populations.”
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