The fifth annual Black Girls Rock! will celebrate six brilliant black women in entertainment, education, philanthropy, and health tonight on BET. The awards and performance show will be hosted by Tracee Ellis Ross and Regina King as they return for their fourth year. This year’s honorees are Jada Pinkett Smith (Star Power Award), Ava DuVernay (Shot Caller Award), Cicely Tyson (Living Legend Award), Erykah Badu (Rock Star Award), Nadia Lopez (Change Agent Award) and Dr. Helene D. Gayle (Social Humanitarian Award).
First Lady Michelle Obama steals the show with an empowering speech on the importance of education, proclaiming that Black girls do indeed rock! The show displayed vivacious vocals and memorable performances from Ciara, Estelle, Jill Scott, Fantasia, Sheila E, Lalah Hathaway, Cheryl Lynn, Alicia Myers and Kathy Sledge who ended the night with a surprise throwback medley including “Got To Be Real,” “I Want to Thank You,” and “We Are Family.”
Fans excitedly welcomed Will Smith who presented his wife Jada Pinkett Smith with the ‘Star Power Award,’ sponsored by Chevrolet® and shared a steamy kiss on-stage. Afterward, Cicely Tyson, who was presented with the ‘Living Legend Award,’ shared inspiring tales of both triumph and tribulation from her beginnings as an actress. It was an inspiring night filled with inspirational moments and true girl power.
Black Girls Rock! airs April 5, 2015 at 7 p.m. ET. om BET
(Photos by Dave Goodson for Steed Media Service)
