Every Black girl needs to know they rock and that’s exactly what happened at the 4th Annual Black Girls Rock Awards Show in NYC on October 17. This star-studded event was created to celebrate the accomplishments of exceptional women of color who have made outstanding contributions in their careers and are also positive role models in the community. Find out which celebs went home with awards at this empowering event.
By Qianna Smith
“Black girls rock and we love each other too,” says first-time host Tracee Ellis Ross to co-host Regina King as they hugged on stage. Creator of the event Beverly Bond (pictured center) gathered the most talented industry leaders and up-and-coming stars for the empowering awards show.
Hollywood heavy hitters Mary J. Blige and Queen Latifah both took home top honors.
Dr. Mehret Mandefro (second to left) is a recently appointed White House Fellow and The BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Community Service Award recipient for her work in HIV and AIDS awareness and prevention. This activist is also the founder of TruthAIDS organization.
Supermodels aren’t born, they’re made. Brit beauty Naomi Campbell received The BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Fashionista Award for her many firsts in the modeling industry including being the first Black model to appear on the cover of French Vogue.
“I love my job in fashion. Next year I’ll be celebrating 25 years in this industry,” said Campbell as she accepted her award.
DJs Cocoa Chanelle, Spinderella and Beverly Bond look beautiful in head-to-toe black. Spinderella took home The BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Jazzy Joyce DJ Award. “When I first touched the turn tables 20 years ago, I never imagined that it would be so global,” said the famed DJ of Salt-N-Pepa.
Famed talent scout Bethann Hardison, left, and inspirational speaker, author, and TV personality Iyanla Vanzant look glam for the camera. Vanzant, who took home The BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Shot Caller Award gushed, “When God gives you something to do, you just go out and do it. You don’t think about who’s looking.”
“I’ve supported your mission long before it was created,” said breakout recording artist Janelle Monáe, who received The BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Who’s Got Next Award. Queen Latifah gabbed that it’s young women like Monáe who you want to turn the game over to.
Veteran journalist Jacque Reid presents Raven Symone with her award.
Grammy-winning R&B singer Anthony Hamilton arrived with his son and took home the only award given to a man, The BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Soul Brother #1. “This voice is very important. I love what I do,” said Hamilton.
“I believe in every colorful woman in the the world,” said trailblazer, entrepreneur and actress Raven-Symoné, who was given The BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Young, Gifted, and Black Award.
Kevin Powell (left to right), Dr. Sonia Sanchez, Beverly Bond, Regina King and Tracee Ellis Ross are all smiles as Dr. Sanchez posed with her BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Living Legend Award. This award-winning poet, playwright and activist told the crowd, “You know what it means to be a Black woman poet, it means to bare your soul.”
Young ladies perform on stage at Black Girls Rock! event.
Canadian recording artist Melanie Fiona belted out a few tunes in between presenters. The budding musician opened for Kanye West’s European tour in 2008 and is enjoying the release of her debut album “The Bridge” this fall.
Always dressed to impress, celebrity fashion stylist/author June Ambrose was shutting it down as usual.
Beat boxer Doug E. Fresh and Jazzy Joyce oozed of high-power energy as they celebrated all the Black women who rock.
Artist Janelle Monáe performed at the Black Girls Rock! Awards in New York City.
Doug E. Fresh got the crowd live as he presented Oscar winner and CoverGirl beauty Queen Latifah with The BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Rock Star Award. Jammin’ to oldies but goodies, he had everyone on their feet groovin’ to the beat.
“Thank God for hip-hop because I would not have a place to express myself. I just want to say support your female rappers,” said Queen Latifah, pictured with the night’s hosts.
Designer Catherine Malandrino presented her longtime friend Mary J. Blige with The BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Icon Award. “When I was a little girl I never thought I could be anything, but I rock right now,” said Blige to tons of cheers and screams of the packed audience.
