Black Magic is in Full Effect
The Black Girls Rock Awards aired Tuesday night showcasing the many talents of brilliant Black women. Founded by Beverly Bond, the celebration was created to reward Black women who are breaking barriers in categories like entrepreneurship, performing arts, writing, and humanitarian activism. Trace Ellis Ross brought grace and style to the stage as she opened the evening with her charming and high-spirited humor.
Each award recipient spoke strong words of encouragement on being a Black girl when expressing their gratitude to forge the theme of Black Girls Rock.. The first award was given to Danai Gurira, largely known for her role in The Walking Dead, called “Star Power.” She ended her acceptance speech saying, “I am so happy to be a Black girl, I would be so jealous if I were anything else!” The striking and successful Shonda Rhimes, known for much more than just Shondaland, was granted the “Shot Caller” award for her limitless ingenuity and ability to create new worlds. She expressed the importance of creativity, strong-will, and self confidence. Pop Icon Rihanna was granted the “Rockstar” award and ended her speech with “When you learn to love yourself, you will not want to be anyone else…All girls rock! Black girls, we are just on another level!” The beautiful and timeless Gladys Knight performed hits like Love Overboard and others after accepting her “Living Legend Award for killing the game 68 years! The show was filled with stunning performances from other popular artist like Erykah Badu, Andra Day, Brandy, Monica, Jasmine Sullivan, and Lauryn Hill.
The #BlackLivesMatter ‘s founders were granted the “Community Change Agent” award for their prolific initiative on opening eyes to the injustices endured by members of the Black community. The Hunger Games’ Amandla Stenberg was awarded the “Young Gifted and Black” award for her strong voice in the young black female community. She has also been deemed “One of the most incendiary voices of her generation,” by Dazed Magazine and “One of 30 Most Influential Teens’ by Time Magazine.
Black Girls Rock is shifting how we embrace our Black women. Towards the end of the program, Presidential Candidate Hillary Clinton came on stage to boldly express her support and appreciation for Black Women. “Black women are change makers, path breakers and ground shakers,” she stated. She further went on to acknowledge that there are major stigmas against the Black community in America and her commitment to work against them.Some are speculating her true intentions on appearing on the show. The show has existed for the past 6 years, all of which Hillary Clinton has been a prominent political figure. Recent racial allegations towards her might have fueled her to combat such notions by publicly addressing her stance on inequality. Was it genuine? She introduced Beverly Bond. Bond elegantly gave a powerful speech on how critical awards as such are in reminding Black girls that they are valuable and beautiful despite what society may tell them. One of her statements that stood out the most was, “The Black girl swag, the Black girl aesthetic, is only lovely without the Black girl,” further declaring the image of the Black woman in the media as narrow and appropriated without sensitive regard. It was refreshing seeing a show dedicated to Black women who suffer from intersectionality and often go overlooked and unappreciated. In the controversial and trying times we are experiencing, programs like this are extremely important for restoring hope and influence.
What do you think about the Black Girls Rock Award, Are more shows like this needed?
In spite of racial allegations against Hillary Clinton, what do you think of her appearance? Does she have your vote?
A major figure that we did not see in attendance is Beyonce. At times like these, do you think it is ok for her to have missed this?
Checkout these relevant links:
http://www.ebony.com/news-views/hillary-clinton-black-girls-rock#axzz459LJ1ImD
http://www.bet.com/shows/black-girls-rock.html
