Chrisette Michele has broken her silence after reportedly signing on to perform at president-elect Donald Trump’s inaugurations, saying that her “heart is broken for our country,” but that she is “willing to be a bridge” to a “peaceful & progressive conversation.”
In a blog post published Thursday — and titled “We Can’t Be Present if We’re Silent” — the Grammy winner 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.”
Nonetheless, she continued, “This country has had great moments. God has shined His light upon us.”
“Today, I hope that Great Moments begin in peaceful & progressive conversation,” Michele added. “I am willing to be a bridge. I don’t mind ‘These Stones,’ if they allow me to be a voice for the voiceless.”
Michele wrapped up her post by quoting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., writing, “Our lives begin to end, the day we become silent about what matters … I am here, representing you, because this is what matters.”
As reported by the New York Daily News, Michele agreed to perform at Friday’s festivities a week ago, but the performance has been kept “a big secret” for fear of backlash.
TheWrap first reported that Trump’s team has had a rough time trying to book A-list performers for the inaugural balls that will take place starting Thursday. Several big-name artists, including Andrea Bocelli, Paul Anka, Garth Brooks, and Elton John have denied they are performing.