Credit: PAUL ZIMMERMAN/VARIETY/REX/Shutterstock
New Jersey felt the power of black women on Sunday night as some of the most powerful women in entertainment stormed at this year’s Black Girls Rock awards which was hosted by queen latifa. an award that was totally overtaken by the strength and uniqueness of black women.
The 2018 taping of the annual celebration of women erupted with an energetic red carpet decked out in gold, glitter, and crystal chandeliers. As the show began, attendees seated at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center leaped to their feet with roaring applause as host Queen Latifah took the stage.
“Tonight we celebrate our queens,” the master of ceremonies said to start off the inspiring Event, which gave honor to Janet Jackson, Mary J. Blige, dance pioneer Judith Jamison, supermodel Naomi Campbell, Lena Waithe, and the “Me Too” founder Tarana Burke.
The beginning and the end of the event was observed with tributes to Aretha Franklin, who died on Aug. 16 from pancreatic cancer at age 76. (Note: BET asked media not to reveal the performers to avoid ruining the surprise when “Black Girls Rock” airs on BET on Sept. 9.)
“This was a woman who never limited herself,” “Greenleaf” actress Merle Dandridge told Variety. “She always crossed genres. She always crossed cultures. She was never predictable. She was always ferocious and pioneering. Even if you didn’t know her ethics or know her as a woman, you know what she said to you in her music.” her music, we truly know has touched lives, She encouraged black women to stand up for themselves.
so many black women of power and influence took the stage to present awards to honorees. Phylicia Rashad’s walked to the mic stand and was greeted with a standing ovation as she presented the star power award to Blige.
The award-winning singer showed appreciation to her presenter as well as to her fans as she addressed the audience “Now that I am here, I know I have been rocking for years,” said Blige. “You all know that I have had my fair share of ups and downs. I have faced a lot of obstacles — some humiliating and embarrassing times. Because of you, I have come out on the other side each and every time.”
The vibrancy in the room upraised when Ciara presented the rock star award to Jackson — the audience cheered for about two minutes. Throughout the entertainer’s speech, the audience consistently showed gestures of appreciation for her talent.
Jackson exclaimed, “Black girls rock now more than ever, and girls, all I can say is, rock on!”
