Women of Rubies
In Career Gems By

THE WOMEN WHO SLAYED AT 2019 MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS

The 2019 MTV Video Music Awards was held last night at the Prudential Center on August 26, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey.

At this year’s event, there were quite a lot of celebrities that got some recognition for their works in the past year.

Taylor Swift picked up two awards for her “You Need to Calm Down” music video, including Video of the Year and Video for Good. Lil Nas X won his first-ever award during the show and the Jonas Brothers won for the first time at the VMAs.

Also exciting were the red carpet outfits from the stars!

We’ve got it all below.

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 26: LeToya Luckett attends the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards at Prudential Center on August 26, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for MTV)

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 26: Singer H.E.R. attends the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards red carpet at Prudential Center on August 26, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 26: Queen Latifah attends the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards at Prudential Center on August 26, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for MTV)

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 26: Missy Elliott poses in the Press Room with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award during the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards at Prudential Center on August 26, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for MTV)

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 26: Remy Ma attends the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards at Prudential Center on August 26, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 26: Normani attends the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards at Prudential Center on August 26, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for MTV)

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 26: Singer Lizzo attends the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards red carpet at Prudential Center on August 26, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 26: Rapper / Singer Megan Thee Stallion attends the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards red carpet at Prudential Center on August 26, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 26: Monica attends the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards at Prudential Center on August 26, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for MTV)

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 26: Kash Doll attends the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards at Prudential Center on August 26, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for MTV)

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 26: Blac Chyna attends the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards at Prudential Center on August 26, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for MTV)

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 26: Halsey attends the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards at Prudential Center on August 26, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for MTV)

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 26: Lil’ Kim attends the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards at Prudential Center on August 26, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 26: Keke Palmer attends the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards at Prudential Center on August 26, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for MTV)

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 26: Amara La Negra attends the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards at Prudential Center on August 26, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 26: Taylor Swift attends the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards at Prudential Center on August 26, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for MTV)

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 26: Skylar Grey attends the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards at Prudential Center on August 26, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for MTV)

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 26: Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi attends the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards at Prudential Center on August 26, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for MTV)

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 26: Zara Larsson attends the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards at Prudential Center on August 26, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 26: Adriana Lima attends the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards at Prudential Center on August 26, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for MTV)

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 26: Hailee Steinfeld attends the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards at Prudential Center on August 26, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for MTV)

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 26: FKA twigs attends the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards at Prudential Center on August 26, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for MTV)

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 26: Camila Cabello attends the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards at Prudential Center on August 26, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for MTV)

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 26: Coco Austin attends the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards at Prudential Center on August 26, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for MTV)

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 26: Heidi Klum attends the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards at Prudential Center on August 26, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for MTV)

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 26: Pepa of Salt-N-Pepa attends the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards at Prudential Center on August 26, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for MTV)

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 26: JuJu attends the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards at Prudential Center on August 26, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for MTV)

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 26: Chanel West Coast attends the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards red carpet at Prudential Center on August 26, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 26: Bella Hadid attends the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards at Prudential Center on August 26, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for MTV)

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 26: Bebe Rexha attends the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards at Prudential Center on August 26, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for MTV)

Coupled Up

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 26: Tommicus Walker and LeToya Luckett attend the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards at Prudential Center on August 26, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for MTV)

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 26: Safaree Samuels and Erica Mena Samuels attend the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards at Prudential Center on August 26, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for MTV)

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 26: Coco A attends the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards at Prudential Center on August 26, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for MTV)

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 26: Papoose and Remy Ma attend the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards at Prudential Center on August 26, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 26: Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello, Best Collaboration Winner, pose in the Press Room during the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards at Prudential Center on August 26, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Manny Carabel/Getty Images)

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 26: Kevin Jonas and Danielle Jonas pose in the Press Room during the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards at Prudential Center on August 26, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for MTV)

Source: Bellanaija
by
Keep Reading
In Editor's Choice By

“I AM NOT ASHAMED TO BE A  NEWSPAPER VENDOR”- LAMIDI OPEYEMI

Someone once said the happiest people don’t have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything, This is what Lamidi Opeyemi’s life journey is all about. When you meet her you would think she has it all going well for her till you hear her story. Her zeal and optimism seems to be her secret weapon.

At the age of 10, she sold pepper alongside her mum in their small community in Osun state, Nigeria, this in no little way set her entrepreneurial life journey;  from washing clothes for people to making coconut oil, starting a mini importation business and selling Newspaper on Sundays. Opeyemi has refused to stay down, she rose  from the ashes of adversity to take responsibility of  her life.

In this interview, she reveals how she is balancing her role as an entrepreneur,  wife and mother to a brilliant cerebral palsy child and still keep her head above water.

 

Growing up

My childhood prepared me for what I do, I was born and brought up in Kuta Ayedire local government in Osun state. My late mother was a pepper seller, she introduced me to the business when I was 10 years old i did it till i finish secondary school.

Being a newspaper vendor

After my son treatment in 2015, my husband business crashed, he became a full-time newspaper vendor, I was also forced to stay at home because my first son is living with a medical condition called cerebral palsy (a neurological disorder that affects movement, muscles tone, motor skills, and posture caused by brain damage that occurs during childbirth or early years of life) he’s fully depending on us to do everything, my husband doesn’t earn much and we have a lot of bills to pay. I started the mini importation business but noticed that I need a business that can bring money every day, I added shea butter business to it, I told my husband that I also want to start selling paper at Ppl bus stop on Sunday since the owner of the paper stand doesn’t sell on Sunday. My mother in law,  sister in law and neighbors daughters are always at home on Sunday and help with my special need child while I go and make ends meet.

Managing my business and motherhood

It is very tough i spent most of my time in my mother in law house since she is the only one i can trust with my special needs son, i also make sure my business doesn’t affect my Kids and marriage in any way.

Being a mom to an amazing special needs child.

Yes, I have a 4 years old son(DEMILADE) Living with cerebral palsy fully depending on others to do simple things. Alhamdulillah, I thank God for His mercy upon us, I wouldn’t have been able to do it alone , Thanks to my ever supportive mother in law, who often times take care of him when I go about my business.

My Inspiration

 My special needs kid and Mothers of special needs kids who are thriving in their chosen career Inspire me .I am most Inspired by several philanthropist whom I’ve never met but play important roles in my life from a distance, it has also encouraged me to give back In my own little way.

Challenges

Lack of funding for  my business is my biggest challenge as my I  need good capital to be successful in all my business ventures, not to mention epileptic power supply and the challenge of moving my coconut products.

Giving up

I have felt like giving up countless times because I feel I’m too young for what I’m facing . However, I always encourage myself that giving up is not the best option.

Being a woman of rubies

I am a Woman of rubies because against all odds, I am making something out of my life regardless of the balls life has thrown at me. I joggling so many business to be a good mom and support system for my husband, whom I respect and honour so much. I am not ashamed of my hustle, i thank God for “nothing can stop me spirit in me” i refused to be a burden to someone else. I am someone’s role model.

Word of advice to who want to go into the coconut oil business

My advice to them is to value their integrity more than money, if you value your integrity you won’t dilute your oil, be resilient and love what you do.

Advice for special needs parents

I will advise them not to be so desperate in looking for a miracle, love your child, focus on his or her ability, talk to your child’s doctor on how you can help you, child. Remember you are not alone in this journey, social media could be helpful if you use it wisely search for support groups for your child diagnosis, seek for help when you need it most, empowerment is important to have a legit source of income. Take care of yourself take a break when you need it most.

The society and reception of Special needs kids

Our society is not well sensitized about special needs children. We need an inclusive society where people with disabilities will have access to what people without disability have access too, some people still believe that disability is contagious which is not true, we need wheelchair accessible motors in our roads, school owners need to learn more about disability so the can give chance for our children with disabilities to have quality education, our leaders need to intervene in our children well being,

Cerebral Palsy

October 6 is World cerebral palsy day, wear green in honor of children and adult living with cerebral palsy , remember cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that affects muscle tone, movement, motor skills and posture as a result of brain-damaged that occurred at birth or the first 3 years of life. Cerebral Palsy has no cure but therapies such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy e.t.c. could improve their lives. There are so many people living with cerebral palsy who are  lawyers, doctors, and serial entrepreneur.

by
Keep Reading
In self development By

YETUNDE OLASIYAN: DEAR SOUTH-WEST NIGERIANS, ABUJA IS NOT THE GELATO CAPITAL OF NIGERIA

Everyone believes that if you can live in Abuja successfully for years, then you must have really arrived.

Many people think Abuja is the “gelato” capital of Nigeria, where all we do is enjoy, flex and spend money like “tomorrow no dey.” I mean, people who don’t live in Abuja generally see Abuja as Nigeria’s London. A place where money flows like water, where everyone lives like a king. Now, I legit understand what people in the abroad, who have people in Nigeria constantly harassing them for money, go through.

When you live in Abuja, here are some of the things you go through:

1. Because you live in Abuja, which qualifies as Nigeria’s London, you are under pressure from family and friends. Friends will be like, “Abeg, I hear say civil defence dey recruit and na for Abuja dem dey do am. You fit link me up?” Nysc posting too, they are asking you to call someone.

2. Extended family members begin to harass you for their needs. Their phone got lost and they need a replacement; water spoilt their phone; the roof is leaking—you hear all sorts of ridiculous stuff. All your extended cousins begin to call you frequently without necessarily saying anything, but you know where they are going. Every time it is, “Aunty, I just say make I hear your voice,” which is the Nigerian version of “Anything for the boys?”Or “Find me something abeg.”

3. Everyone suddenly wants to associate with you. Friends of friends, children of your parent’s friends, etc., in case you can connect them.

4. They ask you when you are coming home every time so much that you become afraid of travelling for Christmas. They will use their eyes to judge you, to search your body and bags whether there are truly signs of Abuja gelato on you.

5. They guilt trip you with words like, “You have forgotten me abi?” immediately you pick their calls, or they blackmail you that you’ve suddenly become so busy that you can’t pick their calls again.

6. They bug you for kilishi everytime you announce you are coming home. 😀😁

Everyone believes that if you can live in Abuja successfully for years, then you must have really arrived. They know it is a very expensive city to live in. Tales about Abuja we’ve been hearing since childhood does not help matters too. How the streets of Abuja are smooth and well tarred. How there are no buses except cabs that would only carry you (drop). How food and housing is expensive.

Again, because the seat of government is in Abuja, they automatically assume that before money gets to other places, it must have flown on the streets of Abuja.
Some even call to find out about Buhari and if you are seeing him regularly. Everybody addresses you as “Eyin eeyan Buhari” (Buhari’s people).

Dear Abroadians,

Now I understand your struggles and pain over our Naija people who won’t let you rest with their “Give me, help me,” because they think you have it all together. They think money flows on the streets abroad.

As long as you are an Abroadian or Abuja resident and you claim to be broke, they will pick offence. They can never believe you. How can you be broke? You are just stingy.

Nobody has ever called me in six years to ask if they should send even as little as dodo ikire (it’s a delicacy made in my village; if you know, you know) or elubo isu to me. All they can do is ask for one favour or the other.

Dear Fellow Nigerians,

If you didn’t know before, know this today. Abuja is not a gelato city. We don’t have it all together. We work hard. We save every penny and spend it on house rent, food and school fees. We are all in this together. We are even more broke than some of you. Yeah, we enjoy the special eyes you use to look at us because of the status of living in the nation’s capital. But that’s truly where it ends. Everyone in today’s Nigeria is poor, except politicians.

Who can relate?

Source: Bellanaija

by
Keep Reading
In Career Gems By

SIMONE BILES MAKES HISTORY WITH 6TH TITLE AND FIRST EVER MOVE ON FLOOR

Simone Biles is at the 2019 USA Gymnastics Championship making historic moves look both flawless and effortless! 

On Friday she became the first person in history to nail a double double landing on the beamand today she defied gravity by becoming the first woman to land a triple double on the floor exercise. With this competition Biles also became the first woman in almost 70 years to win 6 U.S. all-around titles.

The only way to define her athleticism is to emphasize what Dictionary.com shared immediately after via Twitter. The tweet read, “Flawless: having no discernible blemishes or shortcomings; perfect.”

We couldn’t agree more!

by
Keep Reading
In Career Gems By

WOMAN GOES FROM TEACHING ENGLISH TO OWNING MULTIPLE BUSINESSES IN KOREA

Jessica Fry, a native Michigander, who left the U.S. for South Korea about 11 years ago to teach English. Fry told Travel Noire that she initially left so she could save money to invest in real estate. “I was looking for a change and a way to save money so I thought I would come to Korea, save money, and then start a business. I read a blog that you can come to Korea and work and not have to pay rent,” Fry said. 

Soon after arriving in Korea, she realized that the opportunities for other types of business were endless. She also very quickly realized that there was a need for more Black hair care products. The area of Pyeongtaek, where Fry lived, was home to a large Army and Air Force base. Her idea for hair care came after researching ways to make the soldiers lives easier. This led to the opening of Fry’s first beauty supply store, Honey Hair. 

The business quickly took off and Honey Hair eventually became one of the largest beauty supply stores in the country, offering products that women couldn’t find anywhere else. 

“I wanted to meet the needs of Black women. I have also expanded to being able to meet the needs of women in general, even Asian women. A unique quality that I have is that I’m a great buyer. So, I’m great at finding the trendiest things and products that people need,” Fry told Travel Noire.

Fry went on to try her hand in a number of other business endeavors. She opened up a boutique clothing store that she was eventually able to sell to the government. Then she used the money to open up a small sandwich shop which eventually turned into a larger restaurant, JJ’s American Diner. 

Photo courtesy of JJ’s American Diner/Travel Noire

The diner provides a true American experience and authentic American cuisine. Fry said that “the restaurant is really focused on being just like America. It’s a novel experience for the Koreans and a taste of home for the soldiers.”

She has absolutely no plans of slowing down either. Fry is planning on launching even more businesses including a swimsuit shop and a natural and holistic health business. To learn more about her business go to www.naturalbeautykorea.com or follow Honey Hair via social media. 

Keep doing what you’re doing Jessica. We are truly inspired!

Photo courtesy of Jessica Fry/Travel Noire

by
Keep Reading
In Career Gems By

ALL STAR CAST TO RETURN FOR COMING TO AMERICA 2

It’s official, everyone is coming back to star in the sequel for Coming To America. 

Deadline and Variety were first to report that Shari Headley and Vanessa Bell Calloway will both be reviving their roles. Headley played Lisa McDowell, the romantic interest of Prince Akeem (Eddie Murphy) and Calloway played Iman Izzi, Prince Akeem’s betrothed bride in the original film. The two round out a long list of original cast members returning for the sequel including, James Earl Jones, Arsenio Hall, Paul Bates and John Amos.

The original film centered around Prince Akeem who traveled to New York to find love before marrying and becoming the rightful heir of Zamunda. The second installation finds Prince Akeem awaiting to be crowned, before he discovers he has a child, and travels back to the U.S. from Zamunda to meet the son he never knew, a witty street hustler named Lavelle. 

Also joining the cast are Jermaine Fowler (Sorry To Bother You), KiKi Layne (If Beale Street Could Talk), Leslie Jones (Saturday Night Live), Rapper Rick Ross, and the incomparable Wesley Snipes. 

Calloway was the last of the original cast members to close the deal. Murphy is producing the film alongside Kenya Barris (Black-ish). The sequel, now titled Coming 2 America is set to be released in theaters in late 2020.

As the cast is being assembled and the final details are being made, we are also remembering the amazing Madge Sinclair, Queen Aoleon, who died in 1995.

by
Keep Reading
In Career Gems By

25-YEAR-OLD CREATES $7.3M TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPANY

25 year old Chaymeriyia Moncrief, launched Tesix Wireless, a telecommunications firm offering prepaid cell phone service eight months ago, and it is already valued at $7.3 million. 

The Alabama native said the idea was birthed out of frustration with cell phone companies and their hidden fees. “You go in and they say your phone bill is going to be $98, but you are getting a $150 or $200 bill. I think the final straw for me was a $235 bill, and that is when I said I want my own company,” Moncrief told WSFA.

Tesix wants to get rid of everything millennials hate about their wireless plans and give them more of what they want. The company boasts no contracts, unlimited data, unlimited talk and text and a free customizable 2nd phone number, so we can get rid of those Google voice numbers for business.

Before its launch in December 2018, Moncrief received a $4.4M offer to sell the company. Tesixwas already valued at over $1M and rising because of its customer waitlist and notable investments from several high profile people including Ladarius Gunter (former-Green Bay Packers Cornerback), Shaun Hamilton (Washington Redskins Linebacker), and Ayodeji Olatoye (Atlanta Falcon Cornerback). Moncrief turned the offer down. 

When asked why she turned declined the offer Moncrief said,  “If anyone is willing to offer this amount of money for a company that hadn’t launched, it was because they saw value, they saw the worth. What they didn’t realize, however, is that I too saw the value of my company.” By the time Tesix launched, its value had already surpassed the initial offer, coming in at $5.9M.

Since her target audience is millennials, Moncrief does a lot of her marketing via social media. She’s been busy partnering with influencers to increase the brands profile and spread the word. The company is currently valued at $7.3M and has seen an influx of subscribers since its 1st quarter. 

Moncrief’s goal is to build out her own infrastructure and be able to provide an in house network and make Tesix its own carrier. Currently, the company is opening two stores and recently released its very own smartphone. 

 

by
Keep Reading
In Career Gems By

GEORGIA TEEN WINS DOODLE FOR GOOGLE CONTEST WITH AN IMAGE HONORING HER MOTHER

Arantza Peña Popo created a Doodle titled “Once you get it, give it back,” that shows “a framed picture of [the teen and her] mother carrying [her] as a baby (a real picture in [her] house) and below the picture [of Popo], caring for her [mother] when she’s older in the future.”

Popo said that she came up with the idea the day submissions were due. “I looked at the photograph of my mother (the real version that inspired the drawing) and thought, ‘Hey, why don’t I reverse it?’ I wanted to focus more on a message of helping out my awesome mother more than anything else.”

Well she is definitely helping her mother now. Popo’s win was announced Monday evening on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. As the winner, she gets her Doodle displayed on Google.com for one day, a $30,000 scholarship to college a $50,000 technology package for her school and a trip to Google’s headquarters in California. 

The National Doodle for Google contest began in 2008 and is open to all students, K-12, who want to submit their artwork. Fallon served as one of this year’s judges. Popo said she has been interested in art since she was very young. She was having a hard time coming up with anything to submit for the contest but got inspired by her mother in the final hours. The theme for this year was “When I grow up, I hope…”

Popo, who was valedictorian of her class says she hopes to pursue studies in literature.

Congratulations, from all of us here at Because Of Them We Can. 

by
Keep Reading
In Career Gems By

ANGELA BASSETT, REGINA KING, AND CIARA TO RECEIVE HONORS AT THE 2019 BLACK GIRLS ROCK! AWARD SHOW

The highly anticipated BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Award show is back for another year with even more unapologetic Black girl magic!

The annual award show highlights the exemplary achievements of Black women and girls, past and present, across the globe. 

This year’s award show is hosted by Emmy nominated actress, Niecy Nash, and will tape in Newark, New Jersey at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC). Honorees include THE Angela Bassett who will be receiving the much deserved Icon Award, Regina King (Star Power Award), Ciara (Rock Star Award), Academy Award nominated producer Debra Martin Chase (Shot Caller Award), two-time Grammy award winning artist H.E.R. (Young Gifted and Black Award) and activists and heroines, “The Mothers of The Movement,” Sybrina Fulton, Geneva Reed Veal, Gwen Carr, Lucy McBath, Maria Hamilton and Cleopatra Pendleton-Cowley who will all be receiving the Community Change Agent Award.  

The BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Award show was founded by celebrity DJ and model, Beverly Bond. Bond created the show to celebrate women of color who are breaking barriers, trendsetting and trailblazing in their chosen industries.  Since 2006, the award show has been dedicated to empowering women and girls through media, leadership, education and pro-social programs. “I am thrilled to host this year’s BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Awards. We are celebrating Black women who serve the world with style, grace, class and sass,” said 2019 host Niecy Nash in a statement.

Past honorees include  #MeToo Movement founder Tarana Burke, the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul Mary J. Blige, dance legend Judith Jamison, actress Issa Rae and Congresswoman Maxine Waters.  Founder and executive producer, Beverly Bond said that “BLACK GIRLS ROCK on BET is the mecca for Black girl brilliance. This show is the preeminent annual celebration of Black women and girls influence across sectors and this year’s cohort of celebrants are stellar examples of our illustrious contributions to the world.”

The award show will air on Sunday, September 8, 2019 at 8pm EST on BET. And of course, we’ll be watching!

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.com

by
Keep Reading
In Career Gems By

POLICE SEIZE COZA’S PASTOR FATOYINBO’S INTERNATIONAL PASSPORT, CONDUCT SEARCH ON HIS HOUSE AND OFFICE

Detectives from the Force Criminal Investigation Department(FCID), Abuja, investigating the alleged rape against pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo on Wednesday, August 28 conducted a search on the residence and office of the embattled pastor in Abuja.

According to a report by Daily Sun, the police also seized the passport of Fatoyinbo, as part of the bail conditions granted to the pastor. Fatoyinbo was also made to provide two level 16 officers with landed property in Abuja, before he was allowed to be taken on bail.

He was however told to be reporting to the FCID on a daily basis until investigation is concluded. The COZA pastor who attended another round of interrogation Wednesday, has since been released to go home. A source told Daily Sun that part of the investigation that took place on Wednesday was a search on the home of the pastor and his office by detectives.

According to source,  “the home of the pastor and his office were searched today by detectives investigating the matter, but I cannot tell you what they found, but defiantly they were looking for  incriminating documents and other evidences that was revealed by witnesses during the discreet investigation conducted in the matter.

“Also part of the bail conditions given to pastor Fatoyinbo is that he provides two level 16 officers who have landed property in Abuja, and that his international passport to be deposited with the police which he has done”.

 

Source: LIB

by
Keep Reading

©2025. WomenofRubies. All Rights Reserved.