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Inspired by: Black Girls Rock!

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Imagine sitting in a beautiful, historic theater surrounded by a sea of gorgeous women ranging from 10 to 60 (and a few very lucky men). We’re talking all ages, shapes, and beautiful brown hues with every hairstyle and texture imaginable. In true black girl fashion, everyone is dressed to the nines as we entered the Paradise Theatre in the Bronx prepared for greatness. BLACK GIRLS ROCK! had us laughing, crying, dancing in our seats, and celebrating the beauty of sisterhood. As one of the most empowering and memorable events I’ve attended in a while, BLACK GIRLS ROCK! gave me the inspiration to do better and be better for the young sisters coming behind me. I could go on for hours but in one word, the night was magical!

Just in case you’re not familiar, BLACK GIRLS ROCK! is the brainchild of professional model and celebrity DJ turned philanthropist, Beverly Bond. While many associate Black Girls Rock! with the annual awards ceremony, it’s more than just one night of glamour and glitz, it’s a year-round movement. BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Inc. seeks to build the self-esteem and self-worth of young women of color by changing their outlook on life, broadening their horizons and helping them to empower themselves.

Dedicated to honoring exceptional women of color around the world who stand as inspirational and positive role models, BLACK GIRLS ROCK 2011 brought out several of the most talented women in the industry including: Mary J. BligeErykah BaduJill ScottMelanie FionaMary MaryElle VarnerShirley Caesar, and hosts Tracee Ellis Ross and Regina King. These iconic beauties joined forces to help BET and Beverly Bond, Founder and CEO of BLACK GIRLS ROCK! celebrate the achievements of this year’s honorees: political activist, Angela Davis; Academy Award nominee Taraji P. Henson; gospel legend Shirley Caesar;  actress/singer Tatyana Ali; WNBA President Laurel J. Richie; and The Rebecca Project for Human Rights co-founders, Imani Walker and Malika Saada Saar.

The show airs on Sunday, November 6th at 8 p.m. EST on BET so mark your calendars and set your DVRs. Gather your grandmothers, mothers, sisters, and girlfriends for a night of laughing, crying, and celebrating the brilliance of black women!

*Spoiler alert: Please, please, please have tissue in hand when Taraji P. Henson receives her award. Her acceptance speech was heartfelt, phenomenal, and about as real as it gets. Consider yourself warned!

Hats off to BET and Beverly Bond for producing an event that left my cup overflowing with love and inspiration. Job well done!

 

As a New York City storyteller, filmmaker, digital content creator, and PR strategist, Renae Bluitt created "In Her Shoes" to empower and enlighten women committed to realizing their dreams.

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