BET and BLACK GIRLS ROCK Inc. welcomed American First Lady Michelle Obama to her first BLACK GIRLS ROCK show at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center this weekend, as they honoured trailblazing African-American women Cicely Tyson (Living Legend Award), Ava DuVernay (Shot Caller Award), Dr. Helene D. Gayle (Social Humanitarian Award), Erykah Badu (Rock Star Award), Nadia Lopez (Change Agent Award) and Jada Pinkett Smith (Star Power Award).
As part of the First Lady’s “Reach Higher” initiative, Mrs Obama delivered remarks on the value of education. The televised special celebrated its fifth year honouring the triumphs of inspirational African-American women who are trailblazers in the areas of art, philanthropy, sports, and community service.
Founder/Creator/CEO of BLACK GIRLS ROCK, Beverly Bond, says, “I’m thrilled that Mrs. Michelle Obama joined us in celebrating this year’s honourees and our M.A.D. GIRL celebrants – three audacious teenagers who are using their talent and ingenuity to become pioneers in education.
Speaking on behalf of BET in Africa, Alex Okosi, Senior Vice President/Managing Director, VIMN Africa, commented, “BLACK GIRLS ROCK! is dedicated to honouring exceptional women of colour who stand as inspirational and positive role models to young girls around the world. A montage of female performers including Estelle, Erykah Badu, Ciara and Fantasia help BET and BLACK GIRLS ROCK, celebrate the achievements of this year’s exceptional honourees.
“BLACK GIRLS ROCK works fervently year round to develop the leaders of tomorrow through arts education, cultural literacy, technology, and group mentoring programs. I am so excited that First Lady Michelle Obama, whose Reach Higher initiative encourages young people to pursue and complete their education past high school, was able to join us for the first time!”
You can watch BLACK GIRLS ROCK on Friday April 10 at 7:55p.m. on DStv channel 129
