Queen Latifah Will Host This Year’s “Black Girls Rock!”

This year’s BlackGirlsRock will be hosted by media maven Queen Latifah.

Latifah went from being honored alongside Venus Williams and Patti LaBelle in 2013, to taking the stage for an event that celebrates everything #BlackGirlMagic. The ceremony will take place in Latifah’s hometown of Newark, New Jersey at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center.

Latifah says that she’s excited to come back home. “I’m happy it’s happening in Newark. I was born here, and I always try to come home, to let everyone know in Newark, Irvington, East Orange, Jersey City, that we can dream, and we can make those dreams reality,” she said. Black Girls Rock is an event that highlights Black women who are dominating in their field of expertise, whether it is journalism, acting, directing, science and more.

Beverly Bond, CEO and founder/creator of Black Girls Rock explained her decision for having Latifah as this year’s host. “Queen Latifah is the epitome of black excellence, hip-hop royalty, and black girl magic! She has been a longtime supporter of BLACK GIRLS ROCK! and has been honored at both our televised and pre-televised shows. I’m so thrilled to welcome her back to the BLACK GIRLS ROCK! stage as host.” Black Girls Rock! will air Sept. 9, 2018.