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Video: BET's Black Girls Rock - Alicia Keys + Anthony Hamilton + India.Arie [Performances]

Lenny Kravitz, Grace Jones, Lauryn Hill, Lion Babe, Thundercat, SZA & More Rock The Afropunk Festival 2015 in Brooklyn, NY.BET+Black+Girls+Rock+2012+Anthony

For seven years now, BET has hosted and aired an awards ceremony/special called "Black Girls Rock." In case you've been consistently missing it, the event is meant to honor the achievements of exceptional Black women throughout history (up to and including Black women from this generation). Through "Black Girls Rock" BET seeks to promote Black female empowerment, especially for the younger generation -- the idea being that spotlighting successful Black women with a meaningful stake in history inspires young women of color to do the same. It's a noble undertaking for a network which seemingly doesn't always have Black power, history, and progress at the forefront of its agenda (I won't go there).

One thing is for sure; "Black Girls Rock" has a lot of star power on the line-up. After the Nina Simone tribute done in 2010 by Jill Scott, Ledisi, Marsha Ambrosius and Kelly Price, I've been hooked. This year did not disappoint. Hosted by actress Tracee Ellis Ross and political activist/actress Regina King, "Black Girls Rock" called forth favorites like Alicia Keys, India.Arie, Anthony Hamilton, and (oh snap!) throwback gems, SWV. Brandy, Ciara, Missy Elliot and Keyshia Cole, Eric Benet, and Luke James also blessed the stage. Play through the performances for a perfect blend of old and new r&b, soul, jazz, and CHURCH (ie where SWV takes 'em).


Alicia Keys


Brandy


Keyshia Cole


Ciara & Missy Elliott


India.Arie


Eric Benet, Anthony Hamilton & Luke James

SWV