The BET fan-favorite program, Black Girls Rock!, is returning to the network in August. Airing on August 20th, it'll be held at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, New Jersey on August 5, 2017.
Honorees include Insecure creator and actress Issa Rae (Star Power Award), black-ish actress and activist Yara Shahidi (Young Gifted and Black Award), Grammy Award-winning songstress Roberta Flack (Living Legend Award), Wall Street powerhouse and pioneer Suzanne Shank (Shot Caller Award) and community organizers Derrica Wilson and Natalie Wilson of The Black & Missing Foundation (Community Change Agent Award).
It was announced earlier this month that Jesse Collins (The New Edition Story) will produce the show.
Created by celebrity DJ and women’s empowerment advocate Beverly Bond, Black Girls Rock! honors the groundbreaking achievements of Black women who have fearlessly broken barriers in the areas of art, business, entertainment and community service.
"Celebrating the incredible accomplishments of these outstanding women and girls is the highlight of my year. Black women are continuing to lead in amazing ways across a multitude of platforms and I am so proud that BET Networks has the opportunity to honor them and show the world why “Black Girls Rock”! Every year this show goes higher to showcase the beauty, talent, intelligence and sisterhood among African American women. This year won’t be any different," said BET CEO and chairman Debra Lee.
2016 honorees included Rihanna, Shonda Rhimes, Danai Gurira, Amandla Stenberg, Gladys Knight and BLM founders Patrisse Cullors, Opal Tometi and Alicia Garza.