When you love someone it’s natural, not demanding
And that’s one thing I’m proud to say I found in you
I’m so glad we reached an understanding
Now I know my heart is safe with you…
“A Night to Remember” by Shalamar (1982)
The 2019 ‘Black Girls Rock’ had me in a real Shalamar’ish mood. Any time we get to honor and respect the achievements of past, present and future excellence is a moment to cherish, but the annual production of Beverly Bonds’ vision always has a way to perfectly frame it. As the red carpet ended and we began to file into the NJPAC Theatre I felt a little more connected to the experience. Personal loss and growth is part of the daily grind until we get laid down to eternal rest. In late April on of my dearest friends passed on, weeks before her only child got to turn her tassel and become a high school graduate. A few days before tis taping, she moved into her college dormitory, ready to continue the path she and her mom (and a plug for God Pops) planned. My other godchild finished her first semester as an all A student at Columbia University and is days away from year 2. Black Girls are rocking in my immediate circle and it feels good to express openly and honestly my adulation for them!!!
Creator and executive producer, Beverly Bond added, “‘Black Girls Rock’ on BET is the mecca for Black girl brilliance. This show is the preeminent annual celebration of Black women and girl’s influence across sectors and this year’s cohort of celebrants are stellar examples of our illustrious contributions to the world.” Bond continued, “Multifaceted actress Niecy Nash brings her own unique flavor of Black girl magic as our host and we couldn’t be more thrilled. Our lineup from host to honorees, performers and M.A.D. Girls all rock and I’m looking forward to presenting another empowering and dynamic show.”
The 2019 star-studded lineup of celebrants include Golden Globe winner and Oscar nominated actress, director and producer Angela Bassett (Icon Award), Oscar, Golden Globe, and Emmy-winning actress and director Regina King (Star Power Award), Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter Ciara (Rock Star Award), Academy Award and Emmy Award-nominated producer and industry trailblazer Debra Martin Chase (Shot Caller Award) two-time Grammy Award-winning musician H.E.R. (Young Gifted and Black Award), and activists The Mothers of The Movement Sybrina Fulton, Geneva Reed Veal, Gwen Carr, Lucy McBath, Maria Hamilton and Cleopatra Pendleton-Cowley (Community Change Agent Award). Stellar performances by newcomers Ari Lennox, Kiana Lede mixed splendidly with those of Elle Varner, India.Arie, Common and the bomb opening set held down by Coca Chanel. Walking out I remembered the elation of feeling yet another successful objective had been completed and was conjuring up my recipe of relaying it…then I don’t remember much else. A little bit after the taping real life and I had a moment.
Twisted steel, shattered glass and broken bones but your boy is here still due in part to the support I received through a stream of tears and prayers by sisters and brothers I didn’t even know were on my team. Thanks for the continued support. Gonna be down for a second, but I shall soon return. Til then, enjoy the night-life.