Taraji P. Henson arrives on the BET Awards on Sunday, June 26, 2022, on the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. Richard Shotwell, Invision by way of Related Press
The Black Leisure Awards 2022, hosted by Taraji P. Henson, showcases “Black excellence” by honoring numerous artists. However the present Sunday evening additionally acted as a global stage for a number of artists, together with Henson herself, Janelle Monáe and Jazmine Sullivan, to criticize the latest overturn of Roe v. Wade.
This 12 months’s BET awards present, which featured Kanye West as a shock visitor, took a extra political stance than in earlier years. The occasion began with its ordinary glitz and glam — Lizzo in a golden, eye-catching outfit singing — however segued instantly into feedback by Henson opposing the latest Supreme Courtroom ruling that declared abortion now not a federal proper. She additionally praised Lizzo for her $1 million donation to Deliberate Parenthood.
Henson declared that it’s “time that we discuss the truth that weapons have extra rights than a lady — a weapon that takes lives has extra energy than a lady who may give lives if she chooses to.”
Additional feedback had been made by different artists, together with Monáe and Sullivan.
Monáe instantly known as out the Supreme Courtroom.
“These artists are making artwork on our personal phrases, proudly owning our truths and expressing ourselves freely and unapologetically in a world that tries to manage and police our our bodies, my physique — our selections, my selections,” Monáe exclaimed.
Winner of the perfect feminine R&B/pop artist of the 12 months, Sullivan appealed to the lads within the viewers. She requested them to face up for ladies and assist them in making “one of many hardest selections,” particularly if they've ever benefitted from a lady having an abortion.
“This isn't only a lady’s subject. That is everybody’s subject,” mentioned Sullivan. “We want y’all.”
That matters like abortion make their method into each facet of life, even award ceremonies like BET, reveals wherever can change into a platform to specific views.
“Our tradition continues to affect the whole lot and everybody,” mentioned Henson. “Tonight is not any completely different.”