The Black Girls Rock! Awards, co-hosted by actresses Tracee Ellis Ross (BET’s “Reed Between the Lines”) and Regina King, returns to BET for the second straight year on Sunday, November 6, 2011.
The two-hour event is dedicated to honoring exceptional women of color from around the world who serve as inspirational and positive role models. The 6th annual Black Girls Rock! Awards show is part of founder Beverly Bond’s mission to change the negative depictions of women of color seen in the media.
This year’s honorees include celebrities such as Oscar-nominated actress Taraji P. Henson, actress Tatyana Ali and gospel legend Shirley Caesar. It also honors political activist Michaela angela Davis; WNBA President Laurel J. Richie; and Imani Walker and Malika Saada Saar, the co-founders of the Rebecca Project for Human Rights.
Performers include longtime supporter Jill Scott as well as Mary J. Blige, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Melanie Fiona, Mary Mary, Estelle and newcomer Elle Varner.
A nonprofit organization, Black Girls Rock’s mission is to enrich young girls and teens of color through the arts and mentoring programs. Black Girls Rock! mentors youth in the New York City area every weekend through DJ training classes, poetry and writing workshops, and a culinary tour titled,“Taste the World,” which introduces different cultures through food.
The star-studded show was taped at the famed Paradise Theater in the Bronx. –yvette caslin, photos by Dave Goodson
