BLACK GIRLS ROCK! 23 Past & Present Honorees was originally published on hellobeautiful.com
1. Kerry Washington- 2012 Star Power Award
Kerry Washington was last year’s Star Power Award recipient and as the lead actress in ABC’s highly rated and most Tweeted about series, “Scandal”, it’s obvious why she rocks! When she’s not acting, she’s often called a political activist. She spoke at the 2012 Democratic National Convention and is an avid supporter of President Obama. She’s also spent time volunteering through the Adopt-a-Classroom program.
2. Dionne Warwick- 2012 Living Legend Award
It’s quite obvious why Dionne Warwick received the Living Legend award at last year’s show. Not only is she amongst the 40 biggest hit makers of the entire rock era, but she’s also a humanitarian and participated heavily in AIDS research and was appointed a United Nations Global Ambassador for the Food and Agriculture Organization by President Ronald Regan.
3. Marian Wright Edelman- 2013 Social Humanitarian
This year’s Social Humanitarian award will be received by none other than Marian Wright Edelman. At 74 years old, Marian Wright Edelman has seen it all. She was involved in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s and is now an activist for children’s rights as well as the president and founder of the Children’s Defense Fund, a voice for poor, minority and disabled children.
4. Mara Brock Akil- 2013 Shot Caller Award
Mara Brock Akil will be receiving this year’s Shot Caller Award for her successful career as a television writer and producer. As the producer of many of our favorite television shows including “Girlfriends”, “Moesha”, “The Game” and most recently, “Being Mary Jane”, Mara Brock Akil is without a doubt a black girl that rocks!
5. Misty Copeland- 2013 Young, Gifted & Black Award
Ground-breaking ballet dancer, Misty Copeland, is this year’s Young, Gifted & Black Award recipient and for good reason, too. At only 31 years old, she’s often referred to as the first black female soloist for the American Ballet Theater and a living inspiration to young ballerinas of color, everywhere!
6. Patti LaBelle- 2013 Living Legend Award
For almost 50 years, Patti LaBelle has been blessing us with her powerful vocals and star power! She’s a living legend and will be honored for her legendary status at this year’s BLACK GIRLS ROCK!
7. Venus Williams- 2013 Star Power Award
Venus Williams definitely has star power which is why she’s receiving the Star Power Awards at this year’s BLACK GIRLS ROCK! event. She’s a four-time Olympic gold medalist and a top ranked tennis star who’s been recognized as one of the greatest tennis players and athletes of all time!
8. Queen Latifah- 2013 Rock Star Award
Queen Latifah will be honored with the Rock Star Award at this year’s BLACK GIRLS ROCK! ceremony and it’s quite obvious why she’s considered a rock star! She’s responsible for delivering some of the most thought provoking and women empowering lyrics in hip-hop and for successfully crossing over to Hollywood, earning the title of a successful actress and television host! Queen Latifah is a true black girl who rocks!
