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Taraji P. Henson to host ‘Black Girls Rock!’ awards show, a salute to black female excellence in Hollywood
‘Insecure’s’ Issa Rae will be honored during the event in August
It’s that special time of year again when black women come together to support one another, laugh together and, most importantly, uplift and celebrate each other’s accomplishments.
BET’s Black Girls Rock! awards show, which will be held at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and hosted this year by award-winning actress Taraji P. Henson, will salute some of the hottest black women in Hollywood. But this year, all eyes will be on HBO’s Insecure writer and actress Issa Rae, who will receive the show’s Star Power Award.
Before Rae’s critically acclaimed Insecure aired Oct. 9, 2016, the young actress had already started branding herself as a producer, writer and star of her popular YouTube series, Awkward Black Girl. After teaming up with comedian and actor Larry Wilmore on Insecure, Rae’s star power skyrocketed.
On the premiere of the HBO sitcom’s second season, which began July 23, Rae amassed 1.1 million viewers.
Besides Rae, the awards show will honor singer Roberta Flack with its Living Legend Award, actress Yara Shahidi with its Young Gifted and Black Award, financier Suzanne Shank with its Shot Caller Award, and community organizers Derrica Wilson and Natalie Wilson of The Black & Missing Foundation with its Community Change Agent Award.
The show will air Aug. 20 at 8 p.m. ET on BET.