On Oct. 16, “BLACK GIRLS ROCK!™” celebrated the brilliance, beauty, grace and influence of Black women. Hosted by Nia Long, “BLACK GIRLS ROCK!™” honored the most exceptional women of color in the country from Missy Elliot to Raven Symoné and featured performances and appearances by actress Malinda Williams, newcomer Shontelle, thespian Lynn Whitfield, singer Keri Hilson, entertainer Ciara, comedienne Kym Whitley, crooners Monica, Keyshia Cole, Estelle and more. The network premiere will be televised exclusively on BET, Nov. 7, 8 – 10 p.m.
Founder, CEO and Executive Producer of “BLACK GIRLS ROCK!™” Beverly Bond called the awards show a “historic partnership with BET marks the beginning of an empowerment movement for women of color across the globe.” She added, “Our girls are not being told how amazing they really are or how amazing they really can be. It is time that we start telling them. It is time that we start shouting out to the entire world that ‘We Black Girls Rock!’”
Introduced by Malinda Williams, the first award of the night was presented to the precocious Raven-Symoné, now the brains behind her own empire. When accepting her Young, Black & Gifted Award, Symoné said, “It’s up to us as females to open doors for other females like the other legends sitting here tonight.” Symoné later introduced the Who Got Next Award to the inspirational ingénue, Keke Palmer.
The multifaceted entertainer and producer Missy Elliot was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by one of her best friends and R&B powerhouse, Ciara. Later, Monica graced the stage with her soulful hit, “Still Standing.” United Kingdom artist VV Brown performed her chart-topper, “Shark in the Water,” and held it down in a lineup that featured additional performances by heavyweights such as Keyshia Cole and Keri Hilson.
The star-studded affair included tributes as well as entertaining and inspiring video messages from other Black women that rock including actresses Anika Noni Rose and Tracee Ellis Ross; BET Networks CEO and Chairman Debra Lee; host and entertainer Sherri Shepherd; NAACP Board Chairman Roslyn M. Brock and a host of other entertainment industry leaders.
For more information visit BET.com.