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BlackEnterprise.com talked with Bond about how a T-shirt mantra became a movement, how girls learn life skills via two turntables and a mic, and how women of color offer greatness to the world.

BlackEnterprise.com: Black Girls Rock started with a T-shirt. What inspired you to take your concept to the next level and start a nonprofit?

First I started the T-shirt and was thinking of all the incredible women to list on it. I was writing down all of these names and just couldn’t fit them all. In my attempt to try, I said, ‘This is bigger than just a shirt.’ So I decided to start a mentoring program.

How were you able to garner support for your organization and awards shows?

Good marketing. Black Girls Rock grew because the need was so great. Women have been speaking out about the negative images of Black women in the media. I’ve seen some powerful women who have said and done great things. The way I marketed Black Girls Rock … I said, ‘Here’s another option: Consider the greatness among black women.’
Also, a lot of people who gave me my original support were journalists. When I’d be interviewed because of something I was doing as a DJ in the industry, I’d tell them what I was trying to do with my nonprofit. I was also able to tap into my personal network and gain support from them.

Part of your program teaches the fundamentals of DJing. What life skills do the young ladies learn while doing this?

It’s using art as a tool to become their best selves. Through the arts they are learning to tap into their creative mind. They’re learning discipline, multitasking. When you DJ, you use all of your senses in different ways at the same time, stimulating your creativity, helping with self-discipline, and building work ethic.
Many schools have cut arts programs.

What do you recommend young people do to find an alternative outlet?

Do your research on where you can find other arts programs if your school doesn’t offer any. If you want to be a musician, invest in an instrument and study. There are so many online courses. Try YouTube and tap into any free resources on the Web.
Also, sometimes you’ll find lessons outside of your school, i.e., an elder and others in your community could teach a class or lessons.

What advice do you give young women interested in following in your career footsteps?

Have the utmost respect for whatever artistic endeavors they wish to pursue and execute brilliantly. With the arts, people tend to think it’s okay to skip the work.

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BLACK GIRLS ROCK! and BET Networks have partnered to present the BLACK GIRLS ROCK! AWARDS show on a global stage. Our annual event represents the nexus of achievements of women of color in entertainment, the arts, fashion, literature, business, politics and social welfare. The awards were created to celebrate the accomplishments of exceptional women of color who have made outstanding contributions in their careers and who stand as inspirational and positive role models in the community.

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Checkout Black Girls Rock on HLN TV’s latest edition of “Breakthrough Women“

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Dedicated to honoring exceptional women of color around the world who stand as inspirational and positive role models, BLACK GIRLS ROCK! on BET 2011is back with two talented co-hosts, Tracee Ellis Ross and Regina King.  Beautiful, multifaceted and empowering, this duo promises to bring elegance, intelligence and glamour to the telecast as BET Networks and BLACK GIRLS ROCK!™ celebrate the achievements of this year’s honorees. BLACK GIRLS ROCK! 2011was taped at the historic Paradise Theater Bronx, NY and will make its network premiere on Sunday, November 6 at 8:00 P.M. EST

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The Black Girls Rock! & Soul Tour Continues with our next stop in the nation’s capital! Come join us for a great night of music for a fantastic cause.

For more information on event details visit here

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Join us June 24th at the Roxy in West Hollywood to celebrate woman of color and help a worthy cause. Featuring performances by Erykah Badu, Beverly Bond, KING, and Be’la Dona. Purchase tickets here.

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By Contact: The Sorensen McQueen Group [646-330-5458]

RENOWNED DJ AND PHILANTHROPIST, BEVERLY BOND, JAMS WITH

ERYKAH BADU, AKA DJ LO DOWN LORETTA BROWN, TO KICK-OFF THE FIRST ANNUAL BLACK GIRLS ROCK!™& SOUL TOUR

An Official Pre- BET Awards Jam Session celebrating dynamic women in music.

NEW YORK, NY, June XX, 2011 – Beverly Bond, the multi-talented visionary, Founder and CEO of BLACK GIRLS ROCK! is set to kick-off the summer with the first annual BLACK GIRLS ROCK! & SOUL TOUR in Los Angeles on Friday, June 24, 2011. The tour was created to celebrate groundbreaking women of color in the rock, soul and alternative music genres. This debut jam session will be headlined by the incomparable phenom, Erykah Badu aka DJ Lo Down Loretta Brown, who will provide a DJ set as well as a soulful performance. The acclaimed all-female DC Go-Go Band Be’la Dona will serve as the official band for the tour, and Los Angeles’ very own organically soulful trio, King (who recently opened for Prince), will bring their hypnotic harmonies to this one of a kind music celebration honoring women. Celebrity DJ Beverly Bond will also provide a haute DJ set to culminate the event. The exclusive BLACK GIRLS ROCK! & SOUL Tour Jam Session in Los Angeles is an official 2011 BET pre-Awards event.

The BLACK GIRLS ROCK! & SOUL TOUR will provide an essential platform for dynamic women in music and will feature both emerging and established artists.  Bond states, “I created this tour to showcase the many brilliant and talented women of color from various music genres and to help these artists get the recognition that they so deserve. This tour gives BLACK GIRLS ROCK! the opportunity to support cutting edge talent and to also celebrate highly regarded artists who bring the best of our music culture to the mainstream.”

Making stops in New York, Washington DC, Philadelphia, and Houston the first annual BLACK GIRLS ROCK! & SOUL TOUR will lead up to the return of the highest rated cable special celebrating the brilliance of Black women and the 2011 NAACP Image Award Nominee – the BLACK GIRLS ROCK!™ Awards on BET Networks – this fall.

Tickets for the BLACK GIRLS ROCK! & SOUL TOUR/LA Jam Session taking place on Friday, June 24, 2011 can be purchased at https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/179753. All proceeds will benefit BLACK GIRLS ROCK!™ Inc., a nonprofit youth empowerment and mentoring organization for girls from ages 12-17. For additional information and updates, please visit www.blackgirlsrockinc.com

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Contra Costa Times

Black History Month is right around the corner and television, as usual, is planning to honor the occasion with programming that highlights the vast contributions made to society and culture by African-Americans.
“Modern Black History Heroes” — A series of “106 & Park” specials devoted to contemporary “unsung heroes.” Those profiled include Kevin Liles, an author, philanthropist and former president of Def Jam Music Group; Marvelyn Brown, an author and HIV/AIDS activist; Kenyon Farrow, a writer and community organizer; and Beverly Bond, founder of Black Girls Rock! Inc. 6 p.m. Fridays beginning Feb. 11 and airing through the month, BET.

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