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Lizzo Pays Homage to Shirley “Ms. Shirley” Raines Following The Activist’s Death
Alongside the recognition of Shirley “Ms. Shirley” Raines as a founder of Beauty 2 The Streetz, a local community activist who has been praised for her kindness and support of people living on the streets, Lizzo is paying tribute to the late Ms. Shirley.
When the news came out that Raines had passed, the Grammy winner went to Instagram Stories on Jan. 28 to share an emotional note. “Shirley Raines founder of Beauty2theStreetz, incredible woman, leader in her community passed away last night,” Lizzo said. “And I am devastated.”
Lizzo went on to share how Ms. Shirley was always one of the first to roll up her sleeves and get involved with any of her giving initiatives. “If any of you know, about any of my Juneteenth give backs, Shirley is always part of them, every single year,” she added.
The “About Damn Time” vocalist reflected on the time she publicly applauded Ms. Shirley’s humanitarian efforts and pledged her support to those in need, mentioning that the activist was able to amass a huge fan base on TikTok by posting videos about the great work she was doing with the homeless groups in Skid Row area of Los Angeles and also in Nevada.
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Lizzo Recalls Shirley Raines’ Warmth and Their Close Relationship
Lizzo went on to explain the connection she made Shirley “Ms. Shirley” Raines at first and how the activist had a huge impact on the community as well as on the singer herself.
“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 recalled. “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.’”
The singer also recalled a time when Raines, 58, confided in her how the donated clothes were so valuable—especially when it was difficult to find the right sizes.
“I sent whatever I had,” Lizzo confirmed. “And even asked Yitty to send me stuff. She was like, ‘You made the plus-sized girls so happy, they feel so fly.’”
Talking about the very personal connection they had, Lizzo got emotional and said that Raines’ impact was much more than just the community work that she was known for, but it really changed her own life as well.
Lizzo Talks About Shirley Raines’ Support for Her and Her Legacy of Service
Lizzo got teary-eyed when she talked about the relationship she had with Shirley Raines and how the latter had helped her through tough times.
“Shirley would always send me letters whenever I was having a hard time,” Lizzo remembered. “And even when the whole world was against me, she was the one who didn’t give up on me. She was like, ‘Stay encouraged.’ She kept sending me love messages and she never, ever, ever expected anything from me in return.”
The artist spoke about how it is extremely rare to find people like Raines. “People like her are kind of like unicorns, they are so special and they should be protected and honored,” she explained. “And I’m so thankful that I got to give her her flowers when she was here.”
Lizzo invited her fans to keep up the good work of purposing Raines’ legacy of serving marginalized communities. “She really went over and beyond for the underprivileged and made the marginalized feel like they mattered,” Lizzo sobbed. “We will miss you and we will need you, Shirley. I am so down to earth that you left me.”
Shirley Raines at Rest, Remembered by Beauty 2 The Streetz
In the aftermath of Shirley “Ms. Shirley” Raines’ death, the organization that she founded, Beauty 2 The Streetz, came out with a statement of their “devastation” over the loss and a tribute to the work she dedicated her life to.
Raines, whose videos distributing hygiene items, snacks, food, and other essentials garnered recognition, was highly appreciated for the extent and outcome of her advocacy.
The organization in its message to the public on Instagram on 28 Jan 2023, stated: “Ms. Shirley dedicated her life to serving others and making an immeasurable impact on homeless communities in Los Angeles and Nevada. By means of her relentless advocacy, profound empathy, and steadfast dedication, she was able to employ the influential and persuasive media platform at her disposal to not only shed light on the needs of the less fortunate but also humanize, resourcing, and bringing the promise of a better life to the most neglected ones.”
