#BlackGirlsRock Honors Maxine Waters, Issa Rae, Yara Shahidi and More
Oscar-nominee Taraji P. Henson hosted the star-studded affair, which salutes black women in the field of entertainment, social justice, community activism and politics.
Waters, a California congresswoman who has been an outspoken critic of President Donald Trump and his policies, delivered a rousing speech about her fortitude as a black woman. “I want you to know, if it was not for the love and respect shown to me by black women, those right-wing ultra conservatives…they would have me believe I’m too black, I’m too confrontational, I’m too tough, and I’m too disrespectful of them,” she told the audience (quotes via Page Six). “But now I know I’m simply a strong, black woman.”
Other honorees included community activists Derrica Wilson and Natalie Wilson of the Black & Missing Foundation and legendary singer-songwriter Roberta Flack who also delivered a memorable speech. “Love is a song. Each of you has a song in your heart,” the 78-year-old soul icon said. “You keep singing that song.”