Maplewood Native SZA Makes Inspiring Grammy Award Speech [WATCH]

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — “We can go on. We need each other. We need to trust each other – and trust ourselves.” This was the sentiment from Essex County’s SZA as she accepted her latest Grammy Award last weekend.

Solána Imani Rowe – a Maplewood native known by her stage name of SZA – made one of the most memorable acceptance speeches of the night, pleading for people not to “fall into despair” at the current state of the world.

Watch video footage here, or view it below.

SZA earned two Grammy wins for her performance alongside Kendrick Lamar on “Luther,” a song named after iconic American R&B and soul singer Luther Vandross.

The song nabbed awards for “Record of the Year” and “Best Melodic Rap Performance” – bringing SZA’s current Grammy total to seven wins.

At Sunday’s ceremony, Cher presented the Record of the Year award to their pair. After Lamar spoke, SZA offered an emotional plea to viewers.

“What I really wanted to say is, please don’t fall into despair,” she said. “I know that right now is a scary time. I know the algorithms tell us that it's so scary and all is lost. There's been world wars. There's been plagues and we have gone on. We can go on.”

“We need each other,” SZA continued. “We need to trust each other and trust ourselves. Trust your heart. We're not governed by the government. We're governed by God. And I thank you so much. So – God bless you.”

SZA’s roots dig deep in Essex County, which the Columbia High School graduate has frequently mentioned with pride.

Her mother, Audrey Rowe, served with the Community Coalition on Race in Maplewood-South Orange for many years as the program director. When Rowe was honored at the Community Coalition on Race Gala this fall as she retired, SZA came and supported the gala by donating items such as signed clothing – also bidding on auction items and meeting with eager autograph seekers.

• See Related: SZA Says Experiences In High School Fueled Her Success

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