Watch Black Girls Rock! 2018

Black Girls Rock! is an empowering annual awards show that celebrates the accomplishments of black women in a variety of fields. The 2018 show, which aired on BET, was hosted by actress and writer Niecy Nash and featured performances by some of the biggest names in music, including Janet Jackson, Mary J. Blige, and SZA. The show opened with a powerful spoken word performance by poet Ashley August, who set the tone for the evening by proclaiming, "Black girls rock because black girls are magic." From there, the show honored a diverse array of trailblazing women, from activists and entrepreneurs to entertainers and athletes.

One of the evening's most moving moments came when Tarana Burke, the founder of the #MeToo movement, was honored with the Community Change Agent award. Burke, who has been working to end sexual violence for over a decade, delivered a heartfelt acceptance speech in which she praised the power of black girls to effect change in the world.

Other honorees included actress and producer Lena Waithe, who received the Shot Caller award, fashion designer and entrepreneur Dapper Dan, who was honored with the Fashionista award, and gospel singer Yolanda Adams, who was given the Living Legend award.

Throughout the show, the focus remained on celebrating the accomplishments of black women and inspiring the next generation of leaders. In addition to the awards ceremony, the show featured powerful musical performances from some of the most talented artists in the industry, including H.E.R., who gave a soulful rendition of her hit song "Focus," and Queen Naija, who performed a stirring version of her single "War Cry."

Beyond the star-studded performances and accolades, Black Girls Rock! also served as a platform for important conversations about issues affecting black women. In one particularly poignant moment, a group of young girls appeared on stage to talk about their experiences with bullying and the importance of self-love and self-confidence. Host Niecy Nash also used her platform to speak out against the gender pay gap and call for increased support for women in the entertainment industry.

The show's empowering message and celebration of black womanhood have made it a beloved and important event for many people. As Niecy Nash put it in her opening monologue, "Black girls have always run the world, we're just waiting for everyone else to catch up." Black Girls Rock! 2018 is a testament to the incredible talent, resilience, and power of black women, and a reminder that their voices and achievements deserve to be celebrated and honored.