BET Networks and BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Inc. are honored to welcome First Lady Michelle Obama to her first “BLACK GIRLS ROCK!” Show at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center as we honor 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) and Jada Pinkett Smith (Star Power Award). As part of the First Lady’s “Reach Higher” initiative, she will deliver remarks about the value of education. The televised special celebrates its fifth year honoring the triumphs of inspirational African-American women who are trailblazers in the areas of art, philanthropy, sports, and community service.
Beverly Bond, the Founder/Creator/CEO of BLACK GIRLS ROCK!™ says, “I’m thrilled that Mrs. Michelle Obama will be able to join us in celebrating this year’s honorees and our M.A.D. GIRL celebrants – three audacious teenagers who are using their talent and ingenuity to become pioneers in education. “BLACK GIRLS ROCK!” works fervently year round to develop the leaders of tomorrow through arts education, cultural literacy, technology, and group mentoring programs. I am so excited to welcome First Lady Michelle Obama, whose Reach Higher initiative encourages young people to pursue and complete their education past high school, to join us here for the first time!”