Hollywood

Kandi Burruss, Marsai Martin and more honored at BET Her Awards

March 8, 2023

5 min read

In the #BlackGirlMagic news…

Credit: Joi Stokes/Getty Images for BET

On March 5, a group of star-studded women descended on the Thompson Hotel in Atlanta to celebrate the honorees at this year’s BET Her Awards. The annual ceremony honors black women who drive culture forward with their undeniable brilliance and impeccable talent.

Credit: Joi Stokes/Getty Images for BET

Sponsored by Walmart, the star-studded event highlighted the impact of black women “across the pillars of Black Love, Black Joy, Black Pride and Black Power,” according to a press release.

Credit: Joi Stokes/Getty Images for BET

The festive evening was hosted by acclaimed media personality Bevy Smith, who kept onlookers laughing as they celebrated a host of changemakers and transformative women across all sectors. This year’s winners were recognized for their contributions to uplifting women to dream, inspire, create and overcome.

Credit: Joi Stokes/Getty Images for BET

Reality star and Xscape singer Kandi Burruss has won the LOVE Award for her decades-long career in the entertainment industry.

Credit: Joi Stokes/Getty Images for BET

The Atlanta native struggled to hold back tears as she thanked the esteemed ceremony for the coveted honor.

Credit: Joi Stokes/Getty Images for BET

She was of course joined by her husband Todd Tucker who proudly posed for photos alongside her.

Credit: Joi Stokes/Getty Images for BET

Comedian and actress Kym Whitley received the JOY Award, an honor given to women who advance the feeling of black joy.

Credit: Joi Stokes/Getty Images for BET

The ‘Act Your Age’ star on Bounce thanked the crowd for “seeing her” in an industry where she often feels overlooked but continues to persevere in her mission to share joy with others through her work.

Credit: Joi Stokes/Getty Images for BET

PRIDE award icon Sam Jay shared the importance of receiving this honor as a beacon to show how black femininity comes in all its forms and should be celebrated in its glory.

Credit: Joi Stokes/Getty Images for BET

Later that night, Gospel superstar Tamela Mann lit up the room with a rousing rendition of her latest hit single, “He Did It for Me”, bringing the crowd to their feet!

Credit: Joi Stokes/Getty Images for BET

Marsai Martin, Thasunda Brown Duckett and MC Lyte were also honored

RISING STAR award winner Marsai Martin captivated viewers with a great story about how she became Hollywood’s youngest executive producer and why opening more doors for women of color is important to her. in industry.

Credit: Joi Stokes/Getty Images for BET

She also looked absolutely stunning on the pink carpet.

Credit: Joi Stokes/Getty Images for BET

POWER Award winner Thasunda Brown Duckett shared her journey to becoming CEO of the Fortune 100 – currently one of two black women to hold the position – and her mission to make financial literacy the norm in the black community

Credit: Joi Stokes/Getty Images for BET

Iconic rapper MC Lyte, who won this year’s LEGEND award, closed the ceremony with an energetic performance of some of her legendary hits, including “Ruffneck”, “Cold Rock A Party” and “Self Destruction”.

Credit: Joi Stokes/Getty Images for BET

The BET Her Awards are the network’s commitment to elevate and center the promotion and distribution of content that empowers the Black community and highlights key issues critical to the advancement of Black Americans nationwide.

This year’s winners have played a leading role in helping to shape and push the culture towards change, innovation and great joy.

The ladies of the hour were also joined by a host of beauties and cuties like Zatima star Crystal Renee Hayslett…