The ebony mistress of soul Erykah Badu was in Oak Lawn on Monday for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate tho opening of the new Tower Records.

Resplendent in enormously jeweled rings and one of her signature chapeaus, the Dallas-based singer gra­ciously signed autographs and posed for pictures with fans. 

The Grammy-award winning vocalist took a moment to express a kind message of love and peace to her queer devotees. 

"Be who you are forever and ever.
And just hold onto yourself.
Because a lot of times, that's the only thing we have to hold onto," Badu said.  
"I thank all my gay fans for their support.
Just continue to send the love to me — but mainly to each other.
​Peace." 

Badu is up against celebrated diva Lauren Hill for two awards at this year's Grammys: Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B Album.

When asked if she's going to let Hill {who has 10 nominations) walk away with all the awards, Badu said, "Oh, that's okay if she wins them. Because she's my sister."

— Daniel Kusner

(Photo: Daniel Kusner. Badu at Oak Lawn's Tower Records. )

Dear Daniel
This is a picture of my sister Amy with her nose taped up. 
Pretty, isn’t she.
Thanks for taking the time to interview me the other day.
I’ve probably done at least 60 of them so far on this tour, but I really enjoyed talking to you. 
They were good questions.
Thanks again
David Sedaris.

Sent from Boston, June 25, 2000.