I was watching Black Girls Rock on BET and it was so elevating, yet again. Nadia Lopez & the young activist/entrepreneur M.A.D girls are the individuals that moved me the most. Then it was the speeches that just had me in awe, full of pride and emotion.Like I said on Twitter Ms. Nadia Lopez's journey & speech brought me to tears "...she is significant, she is heroic, she is exquisite."
The presence of Michelle Obama was everything. Controversial I can imagine but she served a tremendous and fearless purpose in doing so. Her speech....WAS EVERYTHING. Particularly when she emphasised the need, value and pride in educating yourself. It was also good for her to share with the young women in the audience that for her, when she was young "being smart and raising her hand to ask questions was cool." I struggled with that 'afraid to show off my intelligence' nonsense during my puberty age, I am completely ashamed of that shallow behaviour now but thank-goodness I came to my senses and fixed up. Raise my hand yes! It is never cool to dumb yourself down for anyone, they do not carry you through life, support you or pay your bills KMT.
I have always preached, protested and cheered that 'knowledge is power' so it is music to my ears when such messages are repeated by an influential person to a similar audience. Michelle Obama is a great Speaker and I expect that side of her career to continue to soar when she moves out of the White House. Now that I have long left school and am starting out as an Entrepreneur it was effective to me when she said "Challenges and failures are key components to success." Ain't that the truth.
Dr. Helene D. Gayle whose social humanitarian and public health work I was unfamiliar with, was very much inspiring. Much like with the tremendous work of Dr. Johnetta Betsch Cole who was an honouree of this year's BET Honours. I personally loved when she said that she and her organisation want to teach girls that "It is ok and necessary to live, to learn and earn" and that, that is the way that "we can have the best and longest lasting changes in our community." Her point about living, earning and learning is so vital as girls and women around the world are often told otherwise. We still see adverts here in the UK about the horrific lives that little girls are living in developing countries with the common culture and mentality of a complete disregard for female lives. In many cases they are not to be born! I have spoken about this on many occasions, as seen in my last interview and in my poem 'W.O.M.A.N Means...'
It is completely astonishing that in this day in age, the day of gay rights, cloning, surrogacy, smart phones, machines, the increase of female Presidents and the demise of monarchies, we still see or hear of girls having their human rights being denied. The right to work, drive a car or receive an education or even have their foetus reach full term. Still in many countries today foetuses are often aborted at the 'horror' that they are not male!!!!!!!!! If only you could hear me now......
I love that Dr. Gayle is being recognised for working towards greater justice and continues to dedicate her life to doing so. "When girls and women gain a voice, they become empowered." She also made a great point about us holding onto our passion, since I have been falling out of love with Film as some of you know, it was helpful to hear that.
Being the Filmmaker that I am I naturally understand the obstacles and expectations or lack thereof, that comes with being a female Director let alone a Black Director so Ava DuVernay's speech resonated with me a whole lot. I understand the fear that comes with the great deal of responsibility when on set, it must be completely overwhelming on a large studio production with people like Oprah Winfrey working with you no doubt. Either way I appreciated her sharing her fears, her methods and personal triumphs in the business. I am sure that Black female Director's everywhere were impressed when she gave props to her predecessors and rightfully listed out other women who may not have been recognised for their work "We're a small but mighty tribe." One woman’s success is every woman’s success really. Another great thing that she said was "You don't have to be an Actress, Director or famous to be a star, you can be a star in your own lives my sisters."
Founder Beverly Bond really struck a chord when she said "Growing up as a girl & Black you quickly see the privileges that come with race & gender.....Black Girls Rock was created so that Black girls can claim themselves boldly and unapologetically....'Black Girls Rock' is not just an ornamental phrase to cloak ourselves in vanity it is a critical and necessary affirmation." Well said.
The three young and truly inspirational girls Making A Difference (M.A.D Girls) had me full of so much pride. They are one of the many leaders and pioneers of the future people I'm telling you. Writing books at 10 years old, starting charities and raising awareness in their teens and starting businesses dammit! I am no stranger to hearing of children and teens doing prolific things like making apps, starting businesses or writing books but I know that many people are not, especially in regard to Black children so I am more than happy to spread to the word. Furthermore, I know that we often hear about these gifted individuals or such opportunities typically coming from America but I am proud to say that there are 3 young Black children; boy 14, girl 12 and another girl 11 who I know personally from England who have written books and are SELLING them online. BIG UPPP!
Performance wise; Fantasia brought the house down when she closed out the 'Pillars of Justice' melody. I think she looks like a baby Pattie LaBelle when she sings do you see it? I wish she would've covered up her thighs a little bit more with that church song but she did rock that dress as she rocked the house with her vocals. Sheila E (Drummer) introduced the show very well, I love, love, love, drums, bass and specifically the electric guitar. And yes I think women look better at it, like when Michael Jackson would perform with his female Guitarists in the 90's. Estelle performed a very uplifting song, I have to give it up to the longevity and transformation of her career.
LOLLLLL Tracee Ellis Ross and Regina King were spot on with their skit! Any contemporary performer at open mic's or those that are heavy on social media (YouTube, Myspace & Soundcloud) are fully aware of the characters or persona's should I say, that they were portraying as Queen Floetic and T-Murda. Hilarious! I have seen and met people just like that. They were completely taking the p*ss, especially Tracee but they do exist. Tracee is underrated as a Comedian I must say. I never checked for her on Girlfriends as I just was not a fan of the writing on the show or Reed Between the Lines (BET sitcom) for that matter but she is funny. Her characters on Kanye West videos show it best.
The whole purpose of the Black Girls Rock organisation is to elevate, encourage and motivate young Black women to believe in themselves, educate themselves, maintain a strong self-esteem and basically support one another in a world that may not do so otherwise. Believe it or not this organisation is beneficial, very much needed and necessary. I do hope that they continue to do great and greater things while serving their original purpose. BIG UP BEVERLY BOND!
If you didn't see it already please watch the video clips that I attached links to. Before you do that and get distracted, go to the Black Girls Rock website, get familiar and if you can, donate.
#BlackGirlsRock #NewLeaders #WomenRiseUp
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