Mary J. Blige Honored at DJ Beverly Bond Black Girls Rock! Benefit

Black Girls Rock! -- a name that just pops and crackles with girl power -- is holding its annual awards show in New York City this Saturday. Regina King and Tracee Ellis Ross will co-host this star-studded event, which honors the outstanding achievements of baaaaaaaad women of color and raises funds for the nonprofit teen empowerment program founded by celebrity DJ Beverly Bond.

"I am proud that Black Girls Rock! is at the forefront of a movement inspiring women of color to take charge of our images, our dignity and our impact on the world," says Bond. "The annual Black Girls Rock! award show is our way of saying thank you to these stellar women, whose exemplary achievements help to navigate future generations toward excellence."

Now in its fourth year, Black Girls Rock! has raised hundred of thousands for Black Girls Rock Inc. BGR empowers young women ages 12-17 through the "fun" arts like DJing at the Scratch Academy, poetry workshops ("I Rhyme Like a Girl"), music making, culinary arts and so much more – all at little or no cost to the participants.

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Mary J. Blige Pictures

Check out the many looks of red-carpet diva Mary J. Blige.

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2008 Deaths

Odetta Holmes
"The Voice of the Civil Rights Movement" was a singer, actress, guitarist, songwriter and activist.
December 31 1930 - December 2 2008.

Ray Tamarra , Getty

Bernie Mac
Comedian, Actor
Oct. 5, 1957 - Aug. 9, 2008.

Isaac Hayes
Singer, songwriter, record producer, composer and actor.
August 20, 1942 - August 10, 2008

Reuters

Miriam Makeba, "Mama Africa"
South African folk singer and anti-apartheid activist.
March 4, 1932 - November 10, 2008.

Reuters

Jennifer Hudson's 57-year-old mother, Darnell Donerson, brother, Jason, and 7-year-old nephew, Julian King, were killed in 2008.

Shakir Stewart
The Island Def Jam executive who became head of the legendary rap label following Jay-Z's departure, killed himself on Nov. 1. He was 34 years old.

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George Carlin
Stand-up comedian, actor and author.
May 12, 1937 - June 22, 2008

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Madelyn Dunham
Barack Obama's grandmother
October 26, 1922 - Nov 3, 2008.

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Levi Stubbs
Oct. 17: The iconic lead singer, second from left, who gave voice to Four Tops classics like "Reach Out I'll Be There" and "Baby I Need Your Loving" died at 72 from complications of cancer and a stroke. Abdul Fakir, far left, is now the sole living member of the original quartet.

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Dee Dee Warwick
Oct. 18: The soul songstress died after months of declining health. Warwick, the sister of soul legend Dionne, also achieved a great deal of success, both as a solo artist as well as with her sister.

Corbis

For this year's fundraiser, BGR salutes powerhouse black girls such as Mary J. Blige ("Icon") Queen Latifah ("Rock Star"), Raven-Symoné ("Young Gifted and Black") and Naomi Campbell ("Fashionista"). Dr. Sonia Sanchez will be receiving the Living Legend award. The Community Service award will be given to TruthAIDS founder, activist and White House fellow Dr. Mehret Mandefro. Inspirational speaker, author, and television personality Iyanla Vanzant will be taking home the "Shot Caller" award.

Additional honorees include world-renowned DJ and media personality Spinderella, who will be receiving the "Jazzy Joyce DJ" award, and Grammy Award winner Anthony Hamilton, who will be receiving the only award given to a man, the "Soul Brother #1" award. Other participants include actress Kerry Washington, 2008 BGR award recipient Bethann Hardison, and philanthropists Danny Simmons and Jessica Seinfeld.

Ticket information for the annual gala can be found at http://www.blackgirlsrockinc.com/Awards09