Nicki Minaj offered an inspiring rendition of Maya Angelou’s “Still I Rise” at A&E Network’s Wednesday night benefit concert, Shining A Light: A Concert for Progress on Race in America.
Several other notable musicians, such as Pharrell, Bruce Springsteen, John Legend and Sia, took part in the show to address racial inequality in America and raise money for United Way Worldwide.
Angelou’s poem broaches on the themes of racism, misogyny and sexuality, issues that Minaj has been outspoken about in the past, and the 32-year-old artist gave a fittingly stirring delivery of the piece. “Does my sexiness upset you? Does it come as a surprise, that I dance like I’ve got diamonds at the meeting of my thighs,” she recited to a cheering audience.
See the full reading below:
More Must-Reads From TIME
- Jane Fonda Champions Climate Action for Every Generation
- Biden’s Campaign Is In Trouble. Will the Turnaround Plan Work?
- Why We're Spending So Much Money Now
- The Financial Influencers Women Actually Want to Listen To
- Breaker Sunny Choi Is Heading to Paris
- Why TV Can’t Stop Making Silly Shows About Lady Journalists
- The Case for Wearing Shoes in the House
- Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time
Write to Megan McCluskey at megan.mccluskey@time.com