During last night’s stellar VH1 Hip Hop Honors, Common took the stage to pay tribute to black women fighting for black lives.
The actor and rapper told a cheering audience, “Black women we see you, we love you, we are with you, and we believe in your leadership.” Common continued his praised by shouting out civil rights leaders like Assata Shakur, Angela Davis, and the Black Lives Matter founders.
He also paid tribute to Diamond Reynolds, girlfriend of Philando Castle, “I’m also talking about every day women. Women like Diamond Reynolds, who filmed the police killing. Who tried to calmly deescalate the deadly situation and hours later, was at her governor’s mansion, demanding justice.”
Common ended his speech by praising the guest of honor, Queen Latifah. “During this day and time, we need to elect more black women as leaders and Latifah you are the definition of a leader.”
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