ABOVE PHOTO: Shonda Rhimes (Photo: DFree / shutterstock)
By Tambay A. Obenson
Shadow and Act
BET Networks and Beverly Bond, CEO, founder and Creator of “Black Girls Rock!”, have announced the return of Tracee Ellis Ross as the host of the 2016 “Black Girls Rock!” awards and a star studded line up of celebrants including Shonda Rhimes (Shot Caller Award), Gladys Knight (Living Legend Award), actress and playwright Danai Gurira (Star Power Award), actress Amandla Stenberg (Young Gifted and Black Award), and Black Lives Matter founders Patrisse Cullors, Alicia Garza, and Opal Tometi (Community Change Agent Award).
Danai Gurira (Photo: Helga Esteb / shutterstock)
“Black Girls Rock!” acknowledges the achievements of African American women who have broken barriers in the areas of art, music, philanthropy and community service. This year’s event will tape on Friday, April 1, 2016 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and the broadcast will premiere on BET on Tuesday, April 5, 2016 at 8:00 P.M. ET/PT.
“I am so proud to once again host ‘Black Girls Rock!’ What an incredible night celebrating Black women in a show dedicated to Black Girl Magic,” said Tracee Ellis Ross. “Powerhouses Debra Lee, CEO and Chairman of BET Networks and Beverly Bond, CEO of ‘Black Girls Rock!’ are true examples of Black Girls who Rock. I’ve proudly hosted this show since before it was televised, and it’s been an honor to be connected to this show for so long. In its 10th year, this show is of utmost importance in today’s times as it highlights positive reinforcement and representation for young black women. I am looking forward to once again being a part of such a wonderful night celebrating the beauty, talents, and accomplishments of black women – it will be a show to remember!”
Gladys Knight (Photo: Featureflash / shutterstock)
This year the dynamic movement, founded by Beverly Bond, celebrates its 10 year anniversary and its sixth televised broadcast on BET Networks.
“Over the last 10 years, ‘Black Girls Rock!’ has reaffirmed the spectrum of brilliance that Black women possess and has helped forge a cultural paradigm shift regarding the ways that Black women and girls are depicted in media,” said Beverly Bond. “I am proud that ‘Black Girls Rock!’ is at the forefront of a new women’s empowerment movement inspiring women of color to define ourselves, to own our magic, to share our truth, to elevate our own narratives, to celebrate our brilliance and resilience, and to love ourselves fiercely.”
Amandia Stenberg (Photo: Joe Seer / shutterstock)
The 2015 celebrants included: Jada Pinkett Smith (Star Power Award), Erykah Badu (Rock Star Award), Ava DuVernay (Shot Caller Award), Cicely Tyson (Living Legend Award), Dr. Helene D. Gayle (Social Humanitarian Award), and Nadia Lopez (Change Agent Award) with a special appearance and speech from First Lady Michelle Obama 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.
For updates or more information about “Black Girls Rock!” visit http://www.BET.com/blackgirlsrock and www.blackgirlsrock.com.
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