The 10th annual Black Girls Rock Awards doesn’t measure up to the previous award shows that the founder, Beverly Bond has emancipated for the women in the black community because this one was original and groundbreaking for the millennials and generations to follow.
“Thank you Beverly Bond for making sure that the entire world knows what you know and that is Black Girls Rock!,” said Hillary Clinton as she introduced Bond to the stage.
Many talented black women of all shades, shapes, and ages came out to support, but what made this show an unforgettable one indeed was the women in the entertainment industry who continually break barriers for more talented individuals among us! And their fashion sense, of course was on a another level with host and actress of Black-ish, Tracee Ellis Ross broke out in her red leather catsuit during her comical dance routine of Beyonce’s hit song “Formation,” Rihanna’s oversized fur coat with her button-down shirt dress that flaunted her bare legs in which everyone got a good glimpse of during her Rock-star award acceptance speech and from Jazmine Sullivan’s gold shimmery jump suit that she rocked during her performance of “Masterpiece (Mona-Lisa)” while her dancers wore flesh-tone body suits.
What touched the hearts of many fans and stars was the awards that were handed to a handful of talented young artists and some who are legends, like Gladys Knight who accepted the Living Legend award. Actress, Amandla Stenberg took home the Young, Black and Gifted award for speaking out on issues of race, beauty and identity. “My blackness does not inhibit me from being beautiful and intelligent,” Stenberg said during her acceptance speech. “In fact, it is the reason I am beautiful and intelligent. And you can not stop me.” Producer and writer, Shonda Rhimes accepts her award and declares during her acceptance that black women should “Change the world and when you’ve done that, change it again,” she said.
Other acceptance awards were honored to Black Lives Matter co-founders, Opal Tometi, Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors for their pivotal moment to recognize racial inconsistencies in America, actress, Danair Gurira of the hit tv series The Walking Dead and many more were gifted with a Black Girls Rock approval!
There were performances from role models that haven’t quite shook the stage in a while. Like from singer Brandy, who for the first time performed her latest song “Beggin & Pleadin” while giving a broadway-like performance for a dramatic effect, Monica Brown performed “Alone in your heart” from her latest album, Code Red and Lauryn Hill came out with a throwback song “Lost Ones” from her album Miseducation of Lauryn Hill that for years gives her an appraisal that she heavily deserves.
What blew the audience’s minds the most was Rihanna’s heartfelt speech, as she’s recognized over the years of her success that she may not be a role model, but what she’s achieved thus far is being true to herself. “Tonight is so important to me because I think I can inspire a lot of young women to be themselves. And that is half the battle. That is it—just be yourself, it’s the easiest thing to be.”
I think it’s safe to say that next year’s award show will be nothing like the last—only better!
TSR Intern: Charise W.
Instagram: @planet_reese
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/why-black-girls-rock-is-the-ultimate-celebration-of-sisterhood_us_5704163de4b0a506064d51d9
http://www.vogue.com/13423626/rihanna-speech-black-girls-rock-awards/
