Black Girls Rockin It: We See You Sis!

image source, Black Girls Rock 2017

It's that time of year again for Black Girls and Women to come together from near and far to celebrate US at the annual Black Girls Rock ceremony! Founded by Model and former DJ Beverly Bond, the movement and annual award show highlights black women and girls doing their thing in all walks of life! Whether they are calling shots in business, killing it in movies and television or helping to make the world a better place through Philanthropy, Black Girls and Women are killing the game and deserved to be recognized because...WE ROCK!

Taraji P. Henson, Black Girls Rock 2017. (Source: Paras Griffin/Getty Images North America)

Hosted by the oh so talented, oh so fabulous Taraji P. Henson, this year's Black Girl's Rock ceremony focuses on love - something that we all need today with the political climate we have been experiencing. With all that has been going on that has not stopped black women from making strides and making things happen - it's what we do! The recipients this year exemplify just that! Check them out below:

Yara Shahidi

Yara Shahidi, Black Girls Rock 2017. (Source: Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images North America)

Star of the hit show Black-ish, Yara has been staking her claim as a young and woke black girl. She has constantly shown young black girls everywhere that, not only is being a black girl beautiful, IT"S OKAY; and she continues to do so. So many black girls today feel the need to silence themselves, dim their light, and be less than what they are but through Yara's example they can see that who they are is not only enough - it's necessary. This can even be seen through her character Zoe on Black-ish. Zoe, much like Yara, is a teen who stays true to herself, speaks up for what she believes in and fights against every stereotype placed upon young black girls everywhere!

Issa Rae

Issa Rae, Black Girls Rock 2017. (Source: Bennett Raglin/Getty Images North America)

Representing awkward black girls everywhere - myself included (awkward laugh), Issa Rae's light has been shining long before her HBO hit show Insecure. Making a name for herself as the creator, writer, director, producer and STAR of her web series Awkward Black Girl, Issa Rae has become one of the most relatable black women on TV. Her HBO show Insecure keeps men and women everywhere on the edge of their seat and timelines with all that takes place on the show which just so happen to be situations we have all seen ourselves in. Representation matters so much and Issa has created not one but two series that allows us to see ourselves in the art of comedy and television. She has also set the example of creating the opportunities you want for yourself! She truly rocks!

Natalie and Derrica Wilson  

Natalie and Derrica Wilson, Black Girls Rock 2017. (Source: Bennett Raglin/Getty Images North America)

Everyday women, children and men go missing in our communities. Everyday, these same women, children and men in our communities go unreported. No amber alerts, no news headline and no national attention. Natalie and Derrica Wilson founded the Black and Missing Foundation Inc to change all of that. Black women are some of the first to respond in times of tragedy and these two ladies sacrifice their time and put forth a large amount of effort to be sure that missing loved ones of our communities are not forgotten. This is why they rock!

Solange Knowles

Solange, Black Girls Rock 2017. (Source: Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images North America)

Miss Rock Star herself, Solange, exudes what it means to be a black girl who, not only rocks, but does so apologetically. The songstress uses her art to express herself in a way that we all understand and relate to. She translates the things we often feel and want to say into words, rhythms and harmonies that take us to another place that only we can exist in and understand. Her artistic style inspires black girls everywhere to be themselves, stand in their truth and to take no mess! In a world where black girls are often misunderstood for our perspectives and expressive ways, Solange goes against it all and lives out loud and we love her for it!

Maxine Waters

Maxine Waters, Black Girls Rock 2017. (Source: Jason Kempin/Getty Images North America)

Auntie Maxine Waters! Everyone's favorite Congresswoman and clearly everyone's Auntie, Maxine Waters is a light in our community. Congresswoman Waters has taken her seat at the table and does not plan on leaving any time soon and we are all behind her 100%. She is a mover and a shaker who is taking this country's administration by storm by making sure her voice and the voice of our community are heard. For years black women have shown that we are the ones who make true change happen and if Auntie Maxine does now exemplify that I do not know who does! Congresswoman Waters remind me so much of the woman in my family who don't take no mess and who hate to see others done wrong and that is exactly what she represents on behalf of our community. We thank you Auntie Maxine!

So, why do we celebrate Black Girls and Women making strides and kicking ass in this world? Well, for one, no one else does. Black women and girls are underrepresented, go unrecognized and are looked over every day. Despite all of this, we sacrifice so much to be heard and to make sure others are heard as well! We go against the grain and make things happen no matter what odds are again us. In the boardroom, behind the big screen, in the classroom, in the health care facilities, on the front lines and in the streets - we are killing the game! Who else better to recognize black women for all they do?! It's important to shout out and show love to our sisters who are making things happen for all they do and let them know not only are they appreciated but they are protected, they are loved and WE SEE THEM! You too can be a black girl that rocks! I encourage everyone to get out there and show the world why they are poppin! Go get em, sis! We see you!

For a full list and summary of the Black Girls Rock 2017 recipients, check out http://www.bet.com/shows/black-girls-rock/awards.html and check your local listings for the rerun of the televised ceremony!