2015 Black Girls Rock Awards Show, Newark

First Lady Michelle Obama on stage at Black Girls Rock 2015! | Photo: BET Networks

When: Monday, March 28, 2015 @ 7PM (Telecast - Sunday, April 5, 2015 @ 7P/6C)

Hot Spot: NJPAC, Newark, New Jersey

Deets: BLACK GIRLS ROCK! and BET Networks have partnered to present the BLACK GIRLS ROCK! AWARDS show on a global stage. Our annual event represents the nexus of achievements of women of color in entertainment, the arts, fashion, literature, business, politics and social welfare. The awards were created to celebrate the accomplishments of exceptional women of color who have made outstanding contributions in their careers and who stand as inspirational and positive role models in the community. 

The 2015 celebrants include:

- 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
- Jada Pinkett Smith, Star Power Award

First Lady Michelle Obama stole the show with an empowering speech on the importance of education, proclaiming that Black girls do indeed rock! The show displayed vivacious vocals and memorable performances from Ciara, Estelle, Jill Scott, Fantasia, Sheila E, Lalah Hathaway, Cheryl Lynn, Alicia Myers, and Kathy Sledge who ended the night with a surprise throwback medley including “Got To Be Real,” “I Want to Thank You,” and “We Are Family”.

Fans excitedly welcomed Will Smith who presented his wife Jada Pinkett Smith with the ‘Star Power Award,’ sponsored by Chevrolet® and shared a steamy kiss on-stage. Afterward, Cicely Tyson, who was presented with the ‘Living Legend Award,’ shared inspiring tales of both triumph and tribulation from her beginnings as an actress. It was an impactful night filled with inspirational moments and true girl power!


Spotted: Tracee Ellis Ross, Regina King, Cicely Tyson, Ava DuVernay, Erykah Badu, Jada Pinkett Smith, Willow Smith, Ciara, Debra Lee, Jill Scott, Faith Evans, Fantasia, Sheila E. Lalah Hathaway, Beverly Bond, Michelle Obama, Mayor Ras Baraka, Danielle Brooks, Faith Evans, Bridget Kelly, Dr. Helen Gayle, Will Smith, Ava Duvernay, Estelle, Kathy Sledge

Hint For The Average Socialite: You could have bid on tickets to attend the show here (Ended December 22, 2014). Premieres April 5, 2015 on BET @ 7P/6C. 

You could have Entered to win tickets to Black Girls Rock!

What's Trending: @BLACKGIRLSROCK #blackgirlsrock #traceeellisross @BET @FLOTUS @MichelleObama @Ciara @JadaPSmith @OfficialWillow @TasiasWord

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