Prepare To Be Inspired, Empowered And Entertained "Black Girls Rock" Returns To BET Networks Sunday, November 3 At 7pm*

NEW YORK, Oct. 30, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Get ready for an exciting night filled with beautiful, powerful and talented women!  "BLACK GIRLS ROCK!" airs on BET Networks Sunday, November 3rd at 7pm*. For the third year in a row, Tracee Ellis Ross and Regina King hosted the annual awards show. The dynamic duo wowed the audience with their grace, charm, crazy sense of humor and stunning fashion. But, as always, the night belonged to the inspirational celebrants and amazing performers who were remarkable reminders of how much black girls do indeed rock!

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This year the "BLACK GIRLS ROCK!" Awards took place at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in downtown Newark. Jersey girl and celebrant Queen Latifah (Rock Star Award), received much love from her hometown audience. President and founder of the Children's Defense Fund, celebrant Marian Wright Edelman (Social Humanitarian Award) shared the stage with Head Start alum and fellow honoree Ameena Matthews (Community Activist Award). Mariah Carey presented the iconic Patti LaBelle with a Living Legend Award. LaBelle's awesome vocal range and dynamic showmanship brought the crowd to their feet as she performed "You Are My Friend," with the American Ballet Theatre's sensational soloist Misty Copeland.

The ageless beauties from the cast of "Girlfriends," Jill Marie Jones, Golden Brooks, Persia White and Tracee Ellis Ross, reunited to pay tribute to show creator and Shot Caller Award recipient Mara Brock Akil. Tennis trailblazer and entrepreneur Venus Williams (Star Power Award celebrated by Chevy) received her award from Skylar Diggins and past honoree Keke Palmer presented ground-breaking ballet dancer Misty Copeland with this year's Young, Gifted & Black Award. Each celebrant took to the stage and delivered spirited acceptance speeches that affirmed the importance of the BLACK GIRLS ROCK! movement.

BLACK GIRLS ROCK!™ founder, creator and executive producer Beverly Bond was welcomed with a standing ovation as she shared the mission of the organization and encouraged everyone to invest time, talent and resources in their respective community. Then, the always popular "Making a Difference" a.k.a. "M.A.D. GIRLS," Brooklyn Wright, Mary Pat Hector and Ty-Licia Hooker,  were introduced by Tatyana Ali. The young change agents were a reminder there is not an age requirement for community action and social responsibility.

The night also featured electrifying performances by Jennifer Hudson, Kelly Rowland, Janelle Monae, Ledisi, Sevyn Streeter, Eve, Misty Copeland, Amber Riley and Alice Smith backed by the "BLACK GIRLS ROCK!" All-Star Band led by Kim Burse.

All and all it's an amazing, not-to-be-missed day of television where black women and girls of all shades and from all walks of life are celebrated beginning with Beverly Bond's appearance on "T.D. JAKES PRESENTS: MIND, BODY & SOUL" on Sunday, November 3 at 2pm.*  "BLACK GIRLS ROCK!" will premiere on BET Networks on at 7pm* followed by an encore of the critically acclaimed movie "BEING MARY JANE" created and executive produced by Mara Brock Akil which airs at 9pm.*  "BLACK GIRLS ROCK!" 2013 will air on Tuesday, November 5th at 8:00PM GMT on BET's international network in the UK and Africa, reaching more than 17 million households in 50+ countries. Official sponsors of "BLACK GIRLS ROCK!" 2013 include Procter & Gamble, COVERGIRL and Chevrolet.

For updates on more information on "BLACK GIRLS ROCK!" visit the official page at http://www.BET.com/blackgirlsrock. Join the conversation on social media by logging on to BET's multiple social media platforms: - On Twitter by using hashtag: #BlackGirlsRock; follow us @BET - On Facebook by liking the fan page at facebook.com/BET - On Instagram @betnetworks.

For video sneak peeks and first looks of "BEING MARY JANE" the series, visit the official page at BET.com/shows/being-mary-jane.html. Viewers can also find show updates on Facebook by liking the fan page at Facebook.com/BeingMaryJane. Also, join the conversation on Twitter by using hashtag #BeingMaryJane; follow the show for all updates & special surprises @BeingMaryJane. For more information about the show visit BET.com.

The televised special, "BLACK GIRLS ROCK!" is a BET Networks and B.G.R. Enterprises Inc. production. The executive producers of "BLACK GIRLS ROCK!" are Beverly Bond, CEO, Founder and Creator of BLACK GIRLS ROCK™, Stephen Hill, President Music Programming and Specials, BET Networks; and Connie Orlando, VP Original Programming, BET Networks. 

"BEING MARY JANE" is created and executive produced by Mara Brock Akil (creator of GIRLFRIENDS and THE GAME; Writer of SPARKLE); executive produced and directed by Salim Akil (Executive Producer of SPARKLE; Director of JUMPING THE BROOM). Union is accompanied by veteran actors Richard Roundtree and Margaret Avery and a stellar cast that includes Omari Hardwick, Lisa Vidal, Richard Brooks, Raven Goodwin, B.J. Britt, Aaron Spears, Latarsha Rose, Robinne Lee and Stephen Bishop

*All times ET/PT

About BLACK GIRLS ROCK!™
Founded by celebrity DJ and Philanthropist, Beverly Bond, BLACK GIRLS ROCK!™ is dedicated to promoting positive images of women of color in mass media. BLACK GIRLS ROCK!™ Inc., is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization, that has been dedicated to the healthy development of young women and girls since 2006. BLACK GIRLS ROCK!™ Inc. seeks to build the self-esteem and self-worth of young women of color by changing their outlook on life, broadening their horizons and helping them to empower themselves. For additional information on BLACK GIRLS ROCK!™, visit http://www.blackgirlsrock.org

About BET Networks
BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), is the nation's leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 90 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and sub-Saharan Africa. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions: BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; CENTRIC, a 24-hour entertainment network targeting the 25- to 54-year-old African-American audience; BET Digital Networks - BET Gospel and BET Hip Hop, attractive alternatives for cutting-edge entertainment tastes; BET Home Entertainment, a collection of BET-branded offerings for the home environment including DVDs and video-on-demand; BET Event Productions, a full-scale event management and production company with festivals and live events spanning the globe; BET operates in the United Kingdom and oversees the extension of BET network programming for global distribution.

About New Jersey Performing Arts Center
New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), located in downtown Newark, New Jersey, is among the largest performing arts centers in the United States. It is the artistic, cultural, educational and civic center of New Jersey -- where great performances and events enhance and transform lives every day. As New Jersey's Town Square, NJPAC brings diverse communities together, providing access to all and showcasing the State's and the world's best artists, while acting as a leading catalyst in the revitalization of its home city. Through its extensive Arts Education programs, NJPAC is shaping the next generation of artists and arts enthusiasts. NJPAC has attracted over seven million visitors (including more than one million children) since opening its doors in 1997, and nurtures meaningful and lasting relationships with each of its constituents. Visit http://www.njpac.org or call 1-888-GO-NJPAC for more information.

SOURCE BET Networks