Glamazons,
From “Being Mary Jane” to “Black Girls Rock,” I am here for the positive representation of black women on BET. There are so many negative images of us in the media that we NEED to see our beauty, value and dignity reflected back to us in programs like these.
BGR and “Being Mary Jane” both do that in a powerful way and on this Sunday, they’ll air back-to-back (“Black Girls Rock” at 7P/6C and “Being Mary Jane” airs right after). You know what my weekend plans are, Glamazons!
I had the pleasure of seeing a screening of “Being Mary Jane” and it was healing, freeing and transformative to see a character who deals with some of the same struggles I do.
And I had the great honor to attend the taping of “Black Girls Rock” Saturday in Newark, New Jersey. Over the course of the evening, I had three groundbreaking firsts: I interviewed my Glamazon Godmother Mikki Taylor on the red carpet, met Queen Latifah and saw Patti Labelle perform. It was a night for the history books, Glamazons!
Here are five highlights I’ll never forget:
1. Meeting Queen Latifah
“Oooo…ladies first, ladies first.” Meeting Queen Latifah was so surreal to me. I’ve been a fan since I was a little girl in the ’90s watching her rap videos. I was amazed to see a woman so talented, powerful and in charge. I followed her career through her transition to film (“Set It Off”!), TV (Who didn’t love “Living Single”?) and musicals (She slayed in “Chicago”). Her talent is immeasurable.
And she’s stunning. Queen is a beautiful “Covergirl,” and in proudly flaunting her natural beauty, she encourages other women to do the same.
I feel a special connection to her since she’s from New Jersey (where I grew up). I got to tell her that when I ran into her backstage! She was so down-to-earth and warm. And she kept it so real: she told me she doesn’t usually take pictures but made an exception. So glad she did!
I was especially happy to see her honored in the city she grew up in. It sends the message to Newark girls that they have limitless potential. Beautiful!
2. The Honorees
From Marian Wright Edelman to Misty Copeland, the honorees represented every field from education to sports to the arts. It’s so inspiring to see black women break down barriers in every arena. I was so geeked to see Misty in person as I’ve followed her career for so long. I even teared up watching her acceptance speech! I danced for 13 years and know firsthand that ballet can be whitewashed. Misty‘s success is groundbreaking and she’s using her platform to create opportunities for more ballerinas of color.
Marian Wright Edelman gave such a powerful speech you couldn’t help but be moved by it. One of her most moving quotes was: “Whoever rocks the cradle, rocks the future.” As women, we have the power to shape the generations that come after us. Marian is a living testament to that.
3. Mara Brock Akil’s Speech
Mara Brock Akil just wants me to spend all my days in tears. She made me cry with her speech at “Essence Black Women in Hollywood” Awards, she made me cry at the “Being Mary Jane” screening and she made me cry again at “Black Girls Rock.” *sniffles*
I know I’m a softie, but the most poignant part of the show for me was when she said if America is a house, black women don’t see our picture on the wall. Brilliant analogy!
Instead of complaining about the lack of worthy representations of black women, Mara Brock Akil has embraced the important job of creating film and television that depicts us in a positive light. “When we see ourselves,” she said, “we’re reminded that we’re worth protecting, worth loving and require nothing less than respect.” Yes!
Looking fabulous in a Victoria Beckham dress and Jimmy Choo sandals, Mara was presented with the Shot Caller Award by “The Girlfriends” cast, who also celebrated her at “Essence Black Women in Hollywood.”
They share such a special bond and I love to see them together!
4. The Performances
As usual, the performances at “Black Girls Rock” were incredible. I won’t give too much away but: Kelly Rowland took the stage and had everyone on their feet – she danced, sang and even brought out surprise guests.
Amber Riley sang so well I almost kicked off my shoes and went praise dancing through the aisle. With that voice, she could’ve sang her “ABCs” and it would’ve been awesome.
Janelle Monae is such a dynamic performer (I’ve seen her twice this year!) and her set was energetic, creative and memorable as always.
But it was Patti Labelle who had the performance of the night. She laid me out — especially when I realized she sang and directed the choir at the same time. Boss!
And Miss Mariah Carey made an appearance (in Alexander McQueen, no less) that you won’t forget.
5. The Fashion
Black women are a fashionable bunch. Everyone from Nia Long to hosts Tracee Ellis Ross and Regina King shut the red carpet down in a parade of gorgeous gowns and eye-catching hairstyles. Let’s get into all the looks!
Amber Riley looked fab in a printed long-sleeve Rachel Roy mesh back dress. Always GLAM.
Jennifer Hudson showed off her pixie haircut in a long sleeve Balmain mini and knee-high boots. GLAM.
Girlfriends reunite! Tracee Ellis Ross, Mara Brock Akil, Golden Brooks, Persia White and Jill Marie Jones were all stunning on the red carpet. GLAM SLAM.
Kelly Rowland flaunted her perfect body in a Alon Livne jumpsuit, Christian Louboutin pumps and Lorraine Schwartz jewelry. GLAM. Duh!
Marsha Ambrosius looked flawless on the red carpet in an updo with romantic waves and a deep lip. GLAM SLAM.
Her nails were everything!
Michelle Williams was glowing in a Marissa Webb ‘Georgina’ dress. She accessorized with an Inge Christopher clutch and Giuseppe Zanotti zebra ponyskin suede pumps. GLAM.
Mikki Taylor was ravishing in Carmen Marc Valvo. Love that hair! GLAM, of course.
Nia Long is just stunning! She wore a Miguel Antoinne cut-out black dress and Saint Laurent ankle strap point toe pumps. GLAM.
Queen Latifah dazzled in a gold sequin long sleeve dress, a pompadour ponytail and peeptoe pumps. Love! GLAM SLAM.
Tatyana Ali had the best look of the night in my opinion in a spellbinding Michael Costello gown with a cut-out in the bodice, a train and ruffled neckline. GLAM SLAM.
And for a couple more behind-the-scenes pics:
Tracee Ellis Ross and Regina King have such a wonderful dynamic onstage. You can tell that they’re good friends.
I am so in awe of founder Beverly Bond! “Black Girls Rock” started as a t-shirt line and now, it’s an empire and a nationally-televised awards show. She’s a true visionary.
To meet all my faves on the red carpet and watch the amazing show, I wore an ASOS cream tee shirt dress in metallic and lace. Good times!
Are you tuning in Sunday at 7P/6C on BET?
Kisses,
Glamazon Jessica
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