The BET Awards got political — as if it’s really any surprise when award shows get political these days. Audience members took a moment of silence for black victims of brutality and violence when Solange Knowles presented the Shine A Light Award to Tamika D. Mallory, co-founder of the Women’s March.
“Tonight, I am honored to share the stage with a sister who does everything to use her voice to advocate for issues that impact [people of color and women]. A social justice leader and activist, Tamika Mallory works tirelessly to give a voice to minority groups and is championing for correcting social injustices,” Solange said.
The Shine A Light Award comes with a $10,000 award from Black is Beautiful, which will go towards Mallory’s advocacy work.
Mallory got her start in politics because her parents were founding members of the National Action Network (NAN), along with Al Sharpton. After serving as the Executive Director for NAN, Mallory went on to co-chair Gun Violence Awareness Month as well as the Women’s March.
“Her efforts in helping to organize the Women’s March was, as she states, ′to ensure that black women’s voices were upheld, uplifted and that our issues were addressed and heard.′ Tamika ensured just that,” Solange told the BET crowd.
Mallory accepted the award by raising her fist in the air.
