I could kick myself that it took me so long to get to Black Girls Rock on my DVR.
People do a lot of complaining about BET, but I am so grateful that they have taken the time and resources, again, to put together this inspiring, heartwarming and inspirational show for blacks girls of every size, shape, shade, age, geographic background and religion — they truly embraced the diversity and significance in all of our individual and collective stories.
Last year my favorite moment came from Janelle Monae. This year, though all the award-recipient highlights were phenomenal, I really gravitated towards Misty Copeland’s story; it’s not too long ago that I was a young girl in ballet class, and I was the only one. Despite the odds stacked against her, Misty served as the first, and only, African American female soloist with the American Ballet Theatre for 10 years.
Right after I finished watching the show, I texted my mentee to make sure she had watched the show — she did.
Find additional video from Black Girls Rock! 2013 here.
(To not give negativity too much shine, let’s be clear — it is possible to uplift and affirm one group of people without demeaning or undermining another.)
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