BET Hosts ‘Black Girls Rock!’, FLOTUS Makes Special Appearance + Ciara, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Ava DuVernay, Faith Evans, Cicely Tyson, Fantasia, Tracee Ellis Ross Attend [Photos]

Ciara, Michelle Obama, Willow Smith

On Saturday (March 28th) BET Networks celebrated it’s annual Black Girls Rock!, welcoming First Lady Michelle Obama.

Willow Smith, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Will Smith

The televised special celebrates its fifth year honoring the triumphs of inspirational African-American women who are trailblazers in the areas of art, philanthropy, sports, and community service.

Ava Duvernay

This year’s honorees included Cicely Tyson (Living Legend Award), Ava DuVernay (Shot Caller Award), Dr. Helene D. Gayle (Social Humanitarian Award), Erykah Badu (Rock Star Award), Nadia Lopez (Change Agent Award) and Jada Pinkett-Smith (Star Power Award). As part of the First Lady’s “Reach Higher” initiative, the first lady delivered remarks about the value of education.

Regina King, Tracee Ellis Ross

Hosted by Tracee Ellis Ross and Regina King and held at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, performers included Ciara, Erykah Badu, Fantasia, Lalah Hathaway, Kathie Sledge and others.

Ciara

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