Lizzo Gives Back with Scholarship for Black Music Students at University of Houston
Lizzo, a proud Houston native, recently launched a scholarship program to support young Black music students at her alma mater, the University of Houston. This initiative, part of her “Juneteenth Giveback,” showcases her dedication to empowering underrepresented artists.
In an Instagram reel filled with joy, the “Special” singer proudly announced, “LIZZO’S JUNETEENTH GIVEBACK IS PROUD TO PRESENT $50,000 TO THE SASHA BE FLOOTING SCHOLARSHIP AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON.” The university confirmed the collaboration and expressed gratitude for her generous contribution.
Furthermore, Lizzo emphasized the personal significance of the donation, saying, “Today is a special day for me, close to my heart and dear to home. It’s a milestone. This scholarship is for any young Black student from Houston, Texas, who has applied to study at the Moores School of Music at the University of Houston.”
Taking a moment to reflect on her own journey, Lizzo continued, “A few years ago, that was me—a young Black flute player in need of a scholarship and someone to believe in me. Now, I have the opportunity to pay it forward.”
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Lizzo’s Scholarship Announcement Brings Nostalgic Flashback
In a heartwarming gesture, Lizzo shared a nostalgic moment before announcing the scholarship. She posted an old photograph of her younger self, passionately playing the flute in the University of Houston band, proudly sporting the school’s cougar mascot drawn on her cheek. With a caption that read, “Meet Baby Lizzo, On scholarship at the University of Houston hoping she’ll earn a music performance degree in flute… Little did she know she’d change the conversation on flutes in pop culture forever.”
The photo serves as a reminder of Lizzo’s humble beginnings and the dreams she had as a student. It also showcases her incredible journey and the impact she has made as an artist, redefining the role of flutes in popular music.
This sentimental moment adds an extra layer of meaning to the scholarship announcement, as Lizzo continues to inspire aspiring musicians and break barriers in the industry.
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The Sasha Be Flooting Scholarship is just one of the remarkable contributions Lizzo made as part of her Juneteenth Giveback. Alongside this scholarship, she generously donated $50,000 each to three impactful organizations. The Marsha P. Johnson Institute, dedicated to serving the Black transgender community; Black Girls Smile, providing vital mental health resources for young Black women; and the Sphinx Organization, a social justice initiative that creates music opportunities for Black and latinx individuals.
While celebrating these positive endeavors, Lizzo also had to confront a wave of negative online comments that emerged recently, causing her to contemplate stepping back from music. However, fellow musician SZA quickly came to her defense, speaking out against online bullying and rallying support for the talented “Good As Hell” singer.
Both Lizzo and SZA will be headlining the highly anticipated Made In America 2023 festival later this year. Set to take place on September 2-3, the lineup also features other talented artists including Metro Boomin, Latto, Lil Yachty, and Coi Leray. It promises to be an unforgettable event showcasing the diverse talents of these musical powerhouses.
