Femme it Forward’s third annual Give Her FlowHERS Awards Gala kicked off with a surprise when Snoop Dogg and his wife Shante Broadus were brought out to receive the Black Love Award.
“It’s beautiful because I’ve been nominated for and won so many awards throughout my career, but there’s nothing like an award that brings you back home on stage to let people know that’s why you’re here. So successful.” Snoop Dogg said while accepting the award with his wife.
“I’ve been nominated for 20 Grammys and never won one, but right here, this feels better than one,” he continued. “And for the couples out there tonight, it’s always going to be rocky, it’s always going to be hard, but if it’s true love, and it’s meant to be what it’s meant to be, it’s always going to be good news. That’s it. True love is black love.”
Snoop Dogg’s award wasn’t the only unexpected moment at the ceremony – which took place at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles on Friday – which saw honorees Jill Scott, Chloe Bailey, Halle Bailey, Gloriala, Douchi, Lady London and Neja. Sweety, who hosted the event, was also honored with the Give Her FlowHers Award.
“I would like to thank God because without prayer and faith, I would have lost my mind a long time ago,” Sweety said in gratitude for the honor. “We all know this because we know how crazy this industry can be but this room is safe tonight. Thank you all for allowing us all to be vulnerable.”
In a moment no doubt referencing this week’s presidential election results, Femme it Forward founder Heather Lowery acknowledged the frustration felt by Democratic candidate Kamala Harris’ supporters in her opening remarks.
“To the women and girls who are overqualified and undervalued, can you all stand up if you feel this way at any point in your journey?” Loari started. “We want to hold space for you tonight and remind you that we see you, we respect you and you are more than enough. You are the reason we are here tonight. I know it. We’ve all been overwhelmed by so many emotions these past few days. I want you to treat your grief like you treat your garden. Give it space, give it time , let it unfold.”
During Chloe and Hayley’s acceptance speech for My Sister’s Keeper Award, the singers cross each other and Chloe tells her younger sister, “Hayley, the best award I’ve ever received was 24 years ago when you were born. It’s been time. I’m so grateful to have a chance to live with you. I’m stronger because you’re with me. You taught me about courage and strength Thank you.”
Halle returned the compliment, telling Chloe, “You’re my rock sister, I love you so much and thank you that I can always share my deepest thoughts. Thank you for your heart that loves so deeply. And worth protecting me. I’m proud to call you my sister, the luckiest boy to have such a great aunt.
Doechii, fresh off becoming the first female rapper to receive a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Album of the 2020s, was presented with the Visionary Award by her mother. She noted in her speech that the award was the first for Douchi since she released her album. “I am able to accept this award with such a clear mind and truly renewed spirit. I am sober recently and have never lost my connection with God, but I am able to receive such messages from God. Like I’ve never done before because my mind is clear and I’m present,” she said.
“Because I know there’s always a young black girl watching me, I just want to say that to be a visionary, not only do you have to have a vision, but you have to have a There has to be unwavering belief and conviction to make it happen,” Ducey continued. “Don’t accept no. Realize that you are not too difficult, the work is too difficult for them and Allah will put you in a position and connect you with people who are capable of doing the work.
Fellow rapper Gloriala, who received the Big Fame Energy honor, noted that she didn’t write the speech, telling the audience, “I don’t have a teleprompter because I can’t last that long.” Still, the Memphis artist, who also earned two Grammy nominations on Friday, left the audience with words of wisdom.
GloRilla said, “I always live by the three D’s: Determination, Dedication and Diligence. “Don’t let anyone tell you what you can’t do because at the end of the day, the day has to end. The sun ain’t gonna shine everyday, but that’s why I love tomorrow,” she said, referring to the lyrics of her 2022 song “Tomorrow.”
The final award of the evening was presented to Jill Scott who expressed her delight at receiving the music award in her remarks.
“I love what I do and the idea that everything I do inspires you to feel how you feel, laugh a little harder, love a little more passionately, more sincerely. “Well, she’s done a great job for me and I want to thank you for that,” she said, “that I can be a part of your happiness, your life for me is the world.”
Credit : www.hollywoodreporter.com
