nicki-maya

The biggest names in music came together to confront issues of race, and promote unity and progress at A+E Networks and iHeartMedia’s “Shining a Light: A Concert for Progress on Race in America.” The two-hour special, which was taped at the Shrine Auditorium in L.A. on Wednesday, featured musical performances from Alicia Keys, John Legend, Big Sean, Ed Sheeran, Jamie Foxx, Miguel, Pink, Jill Scott, Sia, and Pharrell.

Nicki Minaj also lent her voice to the cause by reading Maya Angelou’s powerful poem “Still I Rise,” which deals with racism, misogyny, and sexuality, issues Nicki has been outspoken about in the past.

“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 said to cheers from the crowd.

Watch Nicki below and tune in to the special on Friday at 8 p.m.