Black Girls Rock!(TM) Inc. Joins Forces with BET Networks for the Televised-Worldwide Debut of BLACK GIRLS ROCK! on Sunday, November 7, 2010 at 8 p.m. ET

NEW YORK, Sept. 22 -- On Saturday, October 16, 2010, BET Networks will take over the historic Paradise Theatre in New York City for the star-studded affair honoring some of the most exceptional women of color in the country. BLACK GIRLS ROCK! represents a select group of extraordinary individuals whose contributions and accomplishments have enriched and advanced our culture. The network premiere will be televised exclusively on BET, Sunday, November 7th @ 8 � 10 p.m.*

"I went to a Black Girls Rock Inc. event that Beverly Bond produced 3 years ago and knew immediately upon entry that BET had to partner with this event," said Stephen Hill, President of Music Programming and Specials for BET Networks. "The positive energy was palpable. We are proud to celebrate the strengths, triumphs and talents of Black women in this very special show and bring Beverly's message and vision to our audience."

"I am proud that Black Girls Rock Inc. is at the forefront of a movement inspiring women of color to take charge of our images, our dignity and our impact on the world," said Beverly Bond, founder of Black Girls Rock(TM) Inc. "This historic partnership with BET Networks gives BGR! an incredible and much needed platform to highlight our 'sheroes' and hold them up as shining examples of the great women that we are, so that future generations of girls in our communities can see positive examples of who they can become."

The following award categories will be included in the BLACK GIRLS ROCK! televised special:

The "Rock Star" Award: This will be awarded to a fierce and fearless woman who has successfully pushed the envelope and carved a niche where other artists dutifully follow.

Social Humanitarian: This award will honor an artist that uses her celebrity to raise awareness about world issues, voluntarily giving to the community and addressing the emotional, physical and material needs of people in crisis, hardship and impoverished conditions.

Who Got Next?: This award recognizes ultimate talent straight 'out the gate.' This fire-starter has created a buzz and proved herself as a force to be reckoned with.

Living Legend: This award is given to a select individual of remarkable talent whose life long contributions and accomplishments have enriched and advanced our culture.

Young Gifted & Black: This award recognizes the young go-getter under the age of 25 who has achieved an insurmountable amount of success through ideal metamorphosis, and the acute ability to stand and deliver.

The televised special, BLACK GIRLS ROCK! is a BET Networks Production. Stephen Hill, President, Music Programming and Specials, BET Networks, along with Connie Orlando, Eugene Caldwell and Salli Frattini, BET Networks; L. Londell McMillan and Black Girls Rock(TM) Inc. founder, Beverly Bond will executive produce the telecast.

*All times ET/PT

About Black Girls Rock(TM) Inc.

Founded by celebrity DJ and former model, Beverly Bond, BLACK GIRLS ROCK!(TM) Inc., is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, that has been dedicated to the healthy development of young women and girls. BLACK GIRLS ROCK!(TM) Inc. seeks to build the self-esteem and self-worth of young women of color by changing their outlook on life, broadening their horizons and helping them to empower themselves.

About BET Networks

BET Networks, a division of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), is the nation's leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 98 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and sub-Saharan Africa. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of businesses extensions: BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; BET Digital Networks - BET J, BET Gospel and BET Hip-Hop, attractive alternatives for cutting-edge entertainment tastes; BET Home Entertainment, a collection of BET-branded offerings for the home environment including DVDs and video-on-demand; BET Mobile, which provides ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, which operates BET in the United Kingdom and oversees the extension of BET network programming for global distribution. Please visit us at bet.com.