CherryOnTop On The Scene: BET's "Black Girls Rock! 2011"

CherryOnTop On The Scene: BET’s “Black Girls Rock! 2011″

Last night at the historic Paradise Theater in the Bronx, NY, CherryOnTop was on the scene as BET honored exceptional women of color during the taping of “Black Girls Rock! 2011.” Hosted by actresses Tracee Ellis Ross and Regina King, this year’s honorees include legendary activist Angela Davis, iconic Gospel artist and pastor, Shirley Caesar, Academy Award nominated actress, Taraji P. Henson, actress Tatyana Ali, WNBA President Laurel J. Richie and The Rebecca Project for Human Rights, co-founders Imani Walker and Malika Saada Saa.

Music rebel Erykah Badu opened the show, and luminaries such as La La Anthony (who presented the ‘Star Power’ award to Taraji), supermodel Alek Wek (who struggled with reading the teleprompter as she presented ‘Trailblazer’ awards to Imani and Malika) and the incomparable Shery Lee Ralph (who presented the ‘Living Legend’ award to Pastor Caesar) eagerly gave of their time to make this year’s show an astounding success. Other performers during last night’s presentation include Mary J. Blige (who performed “My Life,” but returned to the stage to close the show with “Just Fine,” bringing everyone in the theater to their feet), Jill Scott (who delivered a powerful monologue before performing her 2007 hit, “Hate On Me”), British import Estelle, Melanie Fiona, Gospel duo Mary Mary and newcomer Elle Varner (who fell onstage while performing her new single, “Only Wanna Give It To You,” but got right back on her feet without skipping a lyric; we thought we were fans before, but after last night, we’re her biggest fans).

To say we felt empowered after leaving the theater once the show was over is an understatement. You can’t sit through powerful and thought-provoking speeches from someone as culturally impactful as Angela Davis (who accepted her award to a standing ovation and, in some cases, tears from the audience) and awe-inspiring as Imani Walker without being made to feel like the world is at your fingertips and making a difference isn’t just a choice, it’s an obligation. We look forward to “Black Girls Rock! 2012,” but in the meantime, check out pictures from last night’s show:

“Black Girls Rock! 2011″ airs November 6 at 8 pm.

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October 16th, 2011 | Mara | Comments Off |