BET’s Black Girls Rock! 2016: Rihanna, Lauryn Hill and a Posse of Dopeness

Another year, another opportunity to celebrate the awesomeness that was created by respected and formidable DJ Beverly Bond – the woman behind Black Girls Rock! The establishment that was founded in 2006 – with a mission seeped in encouraging impressionable girls of color to actively challenge the stereotypes by striving for unrelenting greatness.

Host Tracee Ellis Ross commanding the stage

A decade later, the annual awards show set up in its honor has remained true to the stoic mission of propelling the ongoing initiative with the assistance of a star-studded platform – complete with high-tempo performances and appropriate shout-outs to the Black Girls who continue to set the pace for the ones to follow.

Friday, April 1 may have been April Fool’s Day but BET wasn’t joking when the network once again presented a memorable platter of events that brought out the best of the best – under the tutelage of host Tracee Ellis Ross – whose opening number was a perfectly strewn homage to the impeccable classics. The Black-ish star alighted the stage with impressive footwork and vocals as she erupted into Chaka Khan’s I’m Every Woman before diving into Janet Jackson’s Control and Rihanna’s latest offering – the infectious Work.

The ceremony took place at Newark’s New Jersey Performing Arts Center, and the seats were filled with the likes of TV maven, Shonda Rhimes who got one of the night’s allotted tributes, Rihanna was also on hand to collect her moment of recognition and even presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton stopped by to demonstrate her support.

Some of the major highlights were reserved for the segments that showcased the accomplished being rewarded for their steadfast commitment to keeping their dreams alive.

Danai Gurira, star of AMC’s The Walking Dead garnered her trophy in recognition for her resourcefulness and ability to stay ahead of the game. Gurira has been getting warranted attention with her Broadway play Eclipse that also stars Oscar-winner Lupita Nyong’o. Gurira not only produced a stunning play but also employed black women for the behind-the-scenes tasks.

But the most beautiful part of the moment happened after Gurira received her award from Erykah Badu – when she convincingly expressed her gratitude by recalling one of the greats – Maya Angelou, by quoting what should be a generalized mantra for all black girls: “I can’t believe my good fortune. I am grateful to be a black woman. I would be jealous if I were anything else.”

The younger generation also had the chance to champion one of their own through Hunger Games actress and bona fide activist Amandla Stenberg who was bequeathed with the Young, Gifted and Black Award for her undeniable zeal when it comes to raising awareness about racial injustice.

The woman who could be president, Hillary Clinton also joined the festivities and provided her best efforts by giving a speech that was filled with topics of relevance, including the ongoing crisis in Flint. The former First Lady also acknowledged the influences of Maya Angelou and current First Lady, Michelle Obama in helping to shape her perspective and life choices.

Clinton was also in the enviable position of bringing the leader of the pack, Beverly Bond to the stage. The Black Girls Rock! Founder was gracious and thankful for the support and enthusiasm. The celebrated DJ also took the opportunity to honestly tackle the realities that face girls of color, “We are told our black is not beautiful, but our features can be bought and sold to enhance other people. I started Black Girls Rock! because I love us and believe in us.”

A touching and transparent moment that gave way to more dopeness as a slew of awards were doled out to icons and those on their way to a similar status.

Destiny’s Child ex-member and Chasing Destiny creator Kelly Rowland with the help of Dionne Warwick – handed the Living Legend Award to national treasure Gladys Knight who after accepting her award proceeded to treat the audience with blasts from the past that included a medley of her greatest and most popular hits like, Midnight Train to Georgia, If I Were Your Woman and Love Overboard.

RiRi also known as Rihanna got the full-scale treatment courtesy of fashion icon and industry staple, Bethann Hardison who showed up for the purpose of handing the singer, actress and fashion trailblazer the esteemed Rock Star Award.

The Bahamian native was emotionally rocked to her core as she watched a compiled video – capturing her most poignant moments including the ones shared with her grandmother – Gran Dolly. Once on stage, Rihanna expressed her thoughts as only she could, “This is an important moment in my career to be celebrated because I’m black.” She went on to describe the importance of being an influencer for young girls, “Role model is not the title they like to give me, which is why tonight, it is so important. I know I am inspiring girls to be themselves and that’s half the battle.”

Shonda Rhimes also got a chance to be lauded for her immense contribution to the landscape of television through the opportunities she’s created for women of color both in front of the camera and behind-the-scenes. Her loyal friend in work and life, Debbie Allen who also stars in Grey’s Anatomy was on hand to present Rhimes with the Shot Caller Award. The woman who gave ABC gold with the roster of hits that gave birth the coined TGIF label thanked her 11year-old daughter, Harper, during her acceptance speech and also challenged the young and ambitious to “Accomplish something you’d never imagine in your wildest dreams. Change the world and then, change it again.”

As if things couldn’t get any better, the gorgeous occasion came to a thunderous end with the arrival of original It Girl – singer and ex-Fugees front woman – Lauryn Hill.

Hill dominated the space with a rousing reminder of why her manifested gem – 1998’s The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill should be the melodic bible for every girl of color.

The engaged audience got to enjoy two new tracks as well as a pumped up version of her beloved classic – Lost Ones.

The party continues as we acknowledge the fact that Black Girls Rock! on and off the stage.

You can catch all the fun and exciting moments when the show airs on BET, April 5 at 8/7c.