Black Girls Rock to honor Patti Labelle, Latifah, Marian Wright Edelman, Venus Wiliiams and more
buzzz worthy. . .
Patti LaBelle, Jennifer Hudson, Kelly Rowland, Ledisi, Janelle Monae, and Alice Smith will be rocking the stage at the “BLACK GIRLS ROCK!” taping on Saturday, October 26th at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark, NJ. “BLACK GIRLS ROCK!” will offer a unique take on art, music, and expression, through the eyes of women everywhere. Hosted by crowd favorites Tracee Ellis Ross and Regina King, this will be an exciting evening dedicated to promoting positive images of women of color. “BLACK GIRLS ROCK!” premieres on Sunday, November 3rd at 7p.m.
BET Networks and Beverly Bond, Founder and CEO of BLACK GIRLS ROCK!, today announced
Previously announced “BLACK GIRLS ROCK!” celebrants are legendary singer Patti Labelle (Living Legend Award), hip-hop pioneer Queen Latifah (Rock Star Award), esteemed writer and producer Mara Brock Akil (Shot Caller Award), tennis icon and entrepreneur Venus Williams (Star Power Award celebrated by Chevy), community organizer Ameena Matthews (Community Activist Award), ground-breaking ballet dancer Misty Copeland (Young, Gifted & Black Award), and children’s rights activist Marian Wright Edelman (Social Humanitarian Award).
Presenters for the night— including actresses Nia Long, Tatyana Ali and La La Anthony, multi-talented musician and recording artist Marsha Ambrosius, broadcast journalist Soledad O’Brien and BLACK GIRLS ROCK!™ founder Beverly Bond—will commemorate the strengths, triumphs and talents of women from diverse fields, ranging from entertainment, to business and social activism.
“Girl Power” is an understatement when it comes to the likes of this powerful line-up. And, what better way to communicate “Girl Power” than to recognize the dynamic achievements of the next generation of young ladies: specifically, young ladies who are “Making a Difference” a.k.a. “M.A.D. Girls.” Always a heart-warming moment in the show, “BLACK GIRLS ROCK!” will recognize women under 30 who are changing the world for the better. This year’s dynamic “M.A.D. Girls” are: Brooklyn Wright, Mary Pat Hector, and Ty-Licia Hooker. These young social entrepreneurs utilize community-based initiatives to not only empower, but also to improve the socio-political landscape.
Brooklyn Wright, 11, of Atlanta, GA., is an award-winning “earth saver,” who travels from school-to-school to share her passion for litter prevention. Wright will donate learning gardens to 10 schools this year and will have her first annual Earth Saver Girl day camp.
Mary Pat Hector, 15, of Atlanta, Georgia founded “Youth Action USA” in an effort to take a stand against gun violence, bullying, and youth issues. She also serves as the National Youth Director of National Action Network Youth Move, an organization founded by civil rights pioneer Reverend Al Sharpton.
Ty-Licia Hooker, 22, of Stockton, CA, is the president and founder of not only one but two community outreach programs. She influences at-risk youth through her programs STORM and the Summer Success and Leadership Academy, where an emphasis is placed on youth development and maturation.
“This is Why I Rock,” the official theme song of “BLACK GIRLS ROCK!” is now available as a ring-tone by texting BGR to 79922. “This is Why I Rock,” is written and performed by Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Marsha Ambrosius.
