Salters Scene: Black Girls Rock Awards 2009

Naomi Campbell

Saturday October 17th, Black Girls Rock Inc., a nonprofit youth empowerment mentoring organization established for young women of color, held it’s 4^th annual BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Awards at the sleek New York Times Center.  Handling the hosting duties this year were actresses Regina King and Tracee Ellis Ross.

Raven-Symoné

This year’s honorees and their awards were: Mary J. Blige-the BLACK GIRLS ROCK! “Icon” Award, Queen Latifah-the “Rock Star” Award, Raven-Symoné-the “Young, Gifted, and Black” Award, Naomi Campbell-the “Fashionista” Award, Janelle Monáe-the “Who’s Got Next” Award, Dr. Sonia Sanchez-the “Living Legend” Award, Truthaids founder, activist and White House Fellow, Dr. Mehret Mandefro-the “Community Service” Award, DJ Spinderella-the “Jazzy Joyce DJ” Award, Iyanla Vanzant received the “Shot Caller” Award and Anthony Hamilton, who received the only award given to a man, the “Soul Brother #1″ Award.

Iyanla Vanzant and son

When accepting her award, Iyanla Vanzant, passionately talked about her rise from a challenging position in her life, ‘I was Black, in the projects, on welfare, without a high school diploma (and) 38 years later I stand here to receive the Black Girls Rocks Award with my son who is 38 years old!”

Besides honoring these great Black women (and man) who rock, there was a performance by Melaine Fiona, and a silent auction featuring a Phil Collen’s guitar, art work by Artists of America as well as jewelry and a dress from designer Catherine Malandrino.

Melanie Fiona

It’s organizations like Black Girls Rock Inc. that are vital to the development of our young people.

To learn more about the organization log on to www.blackgirlsrockinc.com

For more images from the Black Girls Rock Awards, check out the HWMag Gallery