BET Networks in partnership with Beverly Bond, the Founder and CEO of BLACK GIRLS ROCK! ™, announced today renowned singer Patti Labelle (Living Legend Award), hip-hop pioneer Queen Latifah (Rock Star Award), esteemed writer and producer Mara Brock Akil (Shot Caller Award), tennis icon and entrepreneur Venus Williams (Star Power Award celebrated by Chevy), community organizer Ameena Matthews (Community Activist Award), ground-breaking ballet dancer Misty Copeland (Young, Gifted & Black Award), and children’s rights activist Marian Wright Edelman (Social Humanitarian) are the distinguished guests of honor to be celebrated at “BLACK GIRLS ROCK!” Hosted by Tracee Ellis Ross and Regina King, the two-hour star studded show taping at New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), will highlight the achievements, brilliance and fortitude of these exceptional Black women. “BLACK GIRLS ROCK!” tapes on Saturday, October 26 and will make its network premiere on BET Networks on Sunday, November 3 at 7pm.*
In its fourth installment, “BLACK GIRLS ROCK!” will continue its tradition of paying homage to those who have worked relentlessly to promote a positive image for women of color. It will also bring attention to a rising global movement that teaches girls to be their best selves, drawing even more supporters to help expand the Founder and CEO, Beverly Bond’s, dynamic mission and vision.
“Each of the women, whom we are celebrating this year, epitomize the champion’s spirit as applicable to their respective fields. They are anchored by a fierce commitment to their craft or cause; they have shown the ability to navigate multiple sectors and industries successfully; and they are conscious about the role they play in enriching our society and culture. They absolutely Rock!,” said Founder, Beverly Bond.
“We are thrilled to once again team up with Black Girls Rock! to celebrate the achievements of this distinguished class of women,” said Stephen Hill, President of Music Programming and Specials for BET Networks. “This special show spotlights the strengths and triumphs of Black women and we are proud to bring Beverly Bond’s message to our audience.”
Official sponsors of BLACK GIRLS ROCK! 2013 include My Black is Beautiful, CoverGirl, Chevrolet and Pantene.
BLACK GIRLS ROCK! 2013 will air on Tuesday, November 5th at 8:00PM GMT on BET’s international network in the UK and Africa, reaching more than 17 million households in 50+ countries.
For updates on more information on BLACK GIRLS ROCK! visit http://www.BET.com/blackgirlsrock
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The televised special, “BLACK GIRLS ROCK!” is a BET Networks and B.G.R. Enterprises Inc. production. The executive producers of “BLACK GIRLS ROCK!” are Beverly Bond, CEO, Founder and Creator of BLACK GIRLS ROCK™, Stephen Hill, President Music Programming and Specials, BET Networks; and Connie Orlando, VP Original Programming, BET Networks.
*All times ET/PT
About BLACK GIRLS ROCK!™
Founded by celebrity DJ and Philanthropist, Beverly Bond, BLACK GIRLS ROCK!™ is dedicated to promoting positive images of women of color in mass media. BLACK GIRLS ROCK!™ Inc., is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization, that has been dedicated to the healthy development of young women and girls since 2006. BLACK GIRLS ROCK!™ Inc. seeks to build the self-esteem and self-worth of young women of color by changing their outlook on life, broadening their horizons and helping them to empower themselves. For additional information on BLACK GIRLS ROCK!™, visit http://www.blackgirlsrock.org
About BET Networks
BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), is the nation’s leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 90 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and sub-Saharan Africa. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions: BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; CENTRIC, a 24-hour entertainment network targeting the 25- to 54-year-old African-American audience; BET Digital Networks – BET Gospel and BET Hip Hop, attractive alternatives for cutting-edge entertainment tastes; BET Home Entertainment, a collection of BET-branded offerings for the home environment including DVDs and video-on-demand; BET Event Productions, a full-scale event management and production company with festivals and live events spanning the globe; BET operates in the United Kingdom and oversees the extension of BET network programming for global distribution.
About New Jersey Performing Arts Center
New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), located in downtown Newark, New Jersey, is among the largest performing arts centers in the United States. It is the artistic, cultural, educational and civic center of New Jersey — where great performances and events enhance and transform lives every day. As New Jersey’s Town Square, NJPAC brings diverse communities together, providing access to all and showcasing the State’s and the world’s best artists, while acting as a leading catalyst in the revitalization of its home city. Through its extensive Arts Education programs, NJPAC is shaping the next generation of artists and arts enthusiasts. NJPAC has attracted over seven million visitors (including more than one million children) since opening its doors in 1997, and nurtures meaningful and lasting relationships with each of its constituents. Visit http://www.njpac.org or call 1-888-GO-NJPAC for more information.
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