“What Bond has created is a resource for black girls and women alike to look to and find inspiration from in a world that has historically ignored, and undervalued them. In celebrating women, Bond celebrates diversity, individuality, and a world-wide sisterhood.” —Booklist
From the award-winning entrepreneur, culture leader, and creator of the BLACK GIRLS ROCK! movement comes an inspiring and beautifully designed book that pays tribute to the achievements and contributions of black women around the world.
Fueled by the insights of women of diverse backgrounds, including Michelle Obama, Angela Davis, Shonda Rhimes, Misty Copeland Yara Shahidi, and Mary J. Blige, this book is a celebration of black women’s voices and experiences that will become a collector’s items for generations to come.
Maxine Waters shares the personal fulfillment of service. Moguls Cathy Hughes, Suzanne Shank, and Serena Williams recount stories of steadfastness, determination, diligence, dedication and the will to win. Erykah Badu, Toshi Reagon, Mickalane Thomas, Solange Knowles-Ferguson, and Rihanna offer insights on creativity and how they use it to stay in tune with their magic. Pioneering writers Rebecca Walker, Melissa Harris-Perry, and Joan Morgan speak on modern-day black feminist thought. Lupita Nyong’o, Susan Taylor, and Bethann Hardison affirm the true essence of holistic beauty. And Iyanla Vanzant reinforces Black Girl Magic in her powerful pledge. Through these and dozens of other unforgettable testimonies, Black Girls Rock! is an ode to black girl ambition, self-love, empowerment, and healing.
Pairing inspirational essays and affirmations with lush, newly commissioned and classic photography, Black Girls Rock!: Owning Our Magic and Rocking Our Truth is not only a one-of-a-kind celebration of the diversity, fortitude, and spirituality of black women but also a foundational text that will energize and empower every reader.
Beverly Bond is an entrepreneur, television producer, celebrity DJ, cultural curator and social innovator. She created the BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Awards in 2006 to celebrate the excellence and dynamism of Black women across sectors and to counter the culture of negative media messages directed toward women of color. In 2010, Bond took the award show to BET to share its empowering message on a worldwide stage. Bond’s multifaceted global platform now reaches over 15 million viewers annually, has garnered over a half billion media impressions and is the recipient of two NAACP Image Awards and a Gracie Award. Beverly Bond also founded Black Girls Rock! Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that encourages positive identity development of Black girls and offers tools to reaffirm their value, self-esteem and self-worth. Black Girls Rock! Inc. serves girls ages 13-17 through arts, technology, cultural literacy, civic engagement and leadership development programs. Bond’s work as a thought leader has earned her a number of prestigious recognitions: Ebony magazine has listed Bond amongst its Power 100 list of “Most Influential Blacks In America,” placing her in the company of such notables as President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Queen Latifah, Beyonce, Dr. Cornel West and many others. Bond has shown a niche for success as she’s crafted a winning blueprint for women’s empowerment. Her work stretches far beyond ordinary boundaries — and is a true testament to reaching for the stars.
Published by Simon & Schuster's 37 INK/Atria in 2018.
More praise for Black Girls Rock!
“Rich in collective wisdom. . .the courage, grace, passion, and intelligence that characterize each of the separate narratives are sure to motivate any woman seeking to succeed in a (white) man's world. An inspiring collection.” —Kirkus Reviews