Black Girls Rock!

This day and age our young people need us more than ever. Our youth are faced with heavy issues that are slowly wearing down their self esteem and future goals. Thankfully there are organizations out there that are committed to helping our youth and boosting their self esteem. Black Girls Rock is a non-profit organization committed to building the self-esteem and self-worth of young women of color. The organization emphasizes ways that young women can empower themselves and take an active role in their community.

Black Girls Rock was founded by celebrity DJ and former model, Beverly Bond. It was established out of a reactionary movement to address the negative stereotypes of women of color in the mainstream media. The organization uses the arts as medium to inspire teenage girls to dream bigger and create new opportunities for themselves. The organization’s name was carefully chosen as a strong affirmation that young people indeed have the capability to change their own lives.

This year Black Girls Rock has teamed up with BET networks to televise its award show held at the Paradise Theatre in New York City. The event honors some of the most exceptional women of color for their achievements and contributions to our society. Some of the award categories include: the Rock Star Award, Social Humanitarian, Living Legend, and Who Got Next. The show will be televised on BET networks on Nov. 7, 2010 at 8pm EST.

With the increase in negative stereotypes in the mainstream media, it is refreshing to see that there are organizations and networks aiming to increase the amount of positive, inspirational coverage of women of color. Black Girls Rock has high hopes that by partnering with a major network such as BET that they will increase awareness of a such an important issue in our community, and offer positive alternatives to our future generation.

Honorees of the night included Actress/Media Mogul Raven Symone, Keke Palmer, Missy Elliot, Iyanla Vanzant & Legendary Actress Ruby Dee with amazing performances from Jill Scott, Monica, Fantasia, Keri Hilson, Keyshia Cole, Marsha Ambriusos and more.

For more information, or to donate to the organization check out:
http://Blackgirlsrockinc.com