Lizzo Took The Opportunity To Educate Her Fans On The Racist History Of NYC's Central Park, And Everyone Needs To Hear What She Had To Say

Over the weekend, Lizzo performed at Global Citizen Live in New York City's Central Park.

During her set, the "Truth Hurts" singer took the opportunity to address institutional racism and how that relates to Central Park.

"I have to shout out that the land we're standing on is Seneca Village," Lizzo told the crowd. "Before it was Central Park, it was Seneca Village — and if you don't know what it is, that was an affluent African American community that lived here."

She continued, "And they were evicted and bulldozed so [the city] could build this park."

In 1998, the Seneca Village Project was formed to educate people about the 19th-century community. Later, in 2001, the city installed a historical plaque to commemorate the site.

"As we talk about climate change and making the world a better place and solving homelessness, we also have to talk about the institutionalized racism that happens in this country all the time," she continued.

"Now, I'm a rich bitch — that's exciting; that's never happened," Lizzo said. "I'll be like, 'What kind of rich bitch do I want to be?' And I decided I want to be a philanthropist. I want to give back. Why would God give me so much if I can't give it back? So thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to give back."

She added, "And if we don't talk about our history constructively, how can we build a better future?"

Lizzo continued, "It's time to talk about things, and it's time to make a change. And it starts within. You got to [be] better to yourself so you can be better to others."

Want to learn more about Seneca Village? The New-York Historical Society has some super-informative literature. And, of course, you can always visit Central Park itself, where they have a Seneca Village tour.