Black Girls Rock!: Owning Our Magic. Rocking Our Truth.

by Beverly Bond (Editor)

From the award-winning entrepreneur, culture leader, and creator of the BLACK GIRLS ROCK! movement comes an inspiring and beautifully designed book that pays tribute to the achievements and contributions of black women around the world.

Fueled by the insights of women of diverse backgrounds, including Michelle Obama, Angela Davis, Shonda Rhimes, Misty Copeland Yara Shahidi, and Mary J. Blige, this book is a celebration of black women’s voices and experiences that will become a collector’s items for generations to come.

Maxine Waters shares the personal fulfillment of service. Moguls Cathy Hughes, Suzanne Shank, and Serena Williams recount stories of steadfastness, determination, diligence, dedication and the will to win. Erykah Badu, Toshi Reagon, Mickalane Thomas, Solange Knowles-Ferguson, and Rihanna offer insights on creativity and how they use it to stay in tune with their magic. Pioneering writers Rebecca Walker, Melissa Harris-Perry, and Joan Morgan speak on modern-day black feminist thought. Lupita Nyong’o, Susan Taylor, and Bethann Hardison affirm the true essence of holistic beauty. And Iyanla Vanzant reinforces Black Girl Magic in her powerful pledge. Through these and dozens of other unforgettable testimonies, Black Girls Rock! is an ode to black girl ambition, self-love, empowerment, and healing.

Pairing inspirational essays and affirmations with lush, newly commissioned and classic photography, Black Girls Rock!: Owning Our Magic and Rocking Our Truth is not only a one-of-a-kind celebration of the diversity, fortitude, and spirituality of black women but also a foundational text that will energize and empower every reader.

Genres: Nonfiction, Essays, Feminism, Adult, Anthologies, Audiobook, Womens

256 pages, Hardcover

First published February 27, 2018

About the author

Beverly Bond is an American former Wilhemenia model, DJ, business woman, mentor, producer, writer and founder of Black Girls Rock!. Bond is best known for her organization, Black Girls Rock! which recognizes the success of African American women.

Reviews

[Tiffany Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every black girl and woman should read this book. Oh, and black men/boys should also get a copy because they “sometimes” forget the magic that we possess and need a reminder. I highlighted a ton of passages, but this right here is my absolute favorite:

“It can be hard, but when we view our unique perspective as a competitive advantage instead of an obstacle, the world notices and follows suit. Do not be afraid to be different, to be authentic, to be black, or to be female. Own it. Relish it. Doubling down on everything that makes me different from others in this space is what has opened the most doors for me. Never underestimate Black Girl Magic.”
~~~ Black Girls Rock! Owning Our Magic. Rocking Our Truth.

[Andre(Read-A-Lot) · Rating 4 out of 5]

An absolutely wonderful edition of Black women rocking and owning their magic. A bevy of essays coupled with beautiful photographs from women representing various elements of the culture. Music, Art, Literature, Sports, and Politics. The representation is varied but ultimately the collective voices become one powerful scream of empowerment and overcoming any obstacles that may have a hold on you.

All the essays are inspirational and push towards reaching the greatest that is the birthright bequeathed to women through the struggle of their forebears. It is amazing to hear from some of these women that we often admire from afar. These brief sharings help to bring them closer to their admirers. This books is destined to make a great gift for women and girls. If one fails to find inspiration in these pages then check your heart, you may have a blockage. Beverly Bond is the boss behind the Black Girls Rock movement and this book.

Kudos to her for recognizing the need to rock the magic that Black women have been baring since time immemorial. One of the features I like about this book was the inclusion of historical figures through the her story brief outlines. Women who have an impact but are no longer here to speak up, get highlights. Nina Simone, Audre Lorde, Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, and others get this treatment.Thanks to Atria Books and Netgalley for an advanced ebook. Book will drop on Mar. 13,2018. Better plan early because this one will fly off the shelve.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sacred book and should come with a warning label. To read the full review and see an interview of Beverly Bond on The Breakfast Club, CLICK HERE.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is very important to have representation in literature, in books, on TV, in the movies. It is very important that children can see that there are "people like me" that have done great things.

If you don't know that there are others like you, in life, in history, how can you know what has come before, and what you can do?

This book is a collection of essays, of speeches given, by women of color, by black women who are alive today, as well as short pieces on black women who have come before.

Yes, we all know who Sojourner Truth was, or I hope we do, and we certainly know who Harriet Tubman was, but how often are we taught about Zora Neal Hurston, when we are taught about the men of the Harlem Renaissance.

What I love about this collection is how varied the women in this volume are. We of course, begin with Michelle Obama, but we have Angela Davis, and Maxine Waters, Joy-Ann Reid, and Toshi Reagon.

This is a great collection. What a wonderful thing Beverly Bond did to create the Black Girls Rock Awards in 2006.

Highly recommended for schools and libraries as well as personal collections.

Thanks to NetGalley for making this book available for an honest review.

[Never Without a Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Black women are occupying spaces that we didn’t before, and celebrating ourselves unapologetically,”
- Beverly Bond

Women of Color owning their magic and rocking their truth. The title says it all, Black Girls Rock!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book needs to be on everyone’s shelf, especially young women of color. Everyone needs a hero, someone they can look up to, and this book offers that to women that don’t always get to see themselves portrayed in media or hear about the success of women of color. This book offers women a chance to gain confidence and motivation, and I can’t imagine how inspiring this would have been if I had read it in high school or college.

The book is a physical representation of the Black Girls Rock! organization created by Beverly Bond, the editor of the book, and compiles essays about the stories of black females in the past and present that have made a difference in their lives and the lives of other women. The book is broken down into categories, such as Feminists, Entrepreneurs, political activists, artists, and so many more, but, truthfully, every person featured in this book embodies all of these characteristics.

Everyone from Beyonce, Issa Rae, and Mary J. Blige tells their story in this book. But there are also women I knew nothing about like Lisa Jackson, the VP of Environmental Policy and Social Initiatives at Apple Inc. and Knotaki Ford, a senior policy advisor for the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy during the Obama Administration.

This book is much like the nonfiction book Hidden Figures because it brings to light the achievements of so many black women that don’t get the recognition and notoriety they deserve. This book is a celebration of the strength, drive, magic, and uniqueness of black females.

When I first started reading this book, I was afraid that the stories would become repetitive because they’re all about black empowerment, but I was completely wrong. Each woman brings her uniqueness to the story, and I felt a genuine connection to each of their wins and losses. The only fault that I can find with this book is that it isn’t enough. When I finished each essay, I was craving more about that each female and I wanted to hear the rest of their stories.

This book was fantastic, motivating, inspiring, and beautiful; I’ve already pre-ordered a copy for myself and several for the most important females in my life.

I will be publishing a full video review on my YouTube channel, Downright Bookish, next week.

[Vnunez-Ms_luv2read · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING!!!! This book has the correct title. If you didnt know that Black Girls Rock, you will after reading this book. The variety of women that particpated in this book was beyond amazing. Some I knew, some i did not,but one thing was universal, I enjoyed reading their thoughts on being a Black Girl/Woman. A must read for all. It is so heart-warming to have a book I can give my neices that will show them the grace and beauty of Black Girls/Women. Thank you to the author for this outstanding book. Thanks to NetGalley, the author, the particpants, the publisher for the ARC of this exceptional book in return for my honest review.

[WriteVibeMagazine · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the award-winning entrepreneur, culture leader, and creator of the BLACK GIRLS ROCK! movement , readers are introduced to an inspiring and beautiful book that pays tribute to the achievements and contributions of black women around the world.

Beverly Bond has tastefully and carefully placed this motivational and inspirational stories from major heavyweights like Michelle Obama, Beyonce,Serena, Lupita Nyong’o, Iyanla Vanzant and so many more that thoroughly reinforce Black Girl Magic. These testimonies will leave you charged up and most importantly...EMPOWERED!
#GetCaughtReading BLACK GIRLS ROCK! today and I promise you that you will not regret it. This book is the perfect coffee table conversation piece.
I give this body of work 5 stars and wish I could give it more. This was the epitome of style in grace in written word...All this #blackgirlmagic!

Reviewed by Kisha Green for Literary Jewels
Format: Hardcover
Review Copy Supplied By Publisher

[Dre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am amazed by all the #blackgirlmagic that fills the pages of Black Girls Rock! From founder of “Black Girls Rock” Beverly Bond to the likes of Shonda Rhimes, Janelle Monae, Joan Morgan, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Iyanla Vanzant, this book is filled with captivating black women.

The essays and the beautiful photography highlight ways in which each woman featured serves as a shining example of Black Girls Who Rock. I swelled with pride as I read about how these different women share their service, creativity, and influence to the culture. This book is a celebration of greatness in black women and I absolutely love it! I will be sharing beautiful physical copies to my daughter, nieces, sister, and other young women in my family.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of Black Girls Rock in exchange for an honest review.

[Britt · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Here is a book I believe everyone should read, especially girls and especially black girls.
This book is so inspiring! It is just black women talking about what they are doing and what they have achieved and how the road to their success hasn't been so smooth. I also loved the photos that were provided. I was familiar with some of the women, with others I was not at all. However, it was fun to get to know all these inspiring, successful black women.
Moreover, it goes over important historical black women who definitely need to get more attention in sections called "herstory".

Thus, I definitely recommend this book if you want to be inspired.

[Naeemah Huggins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing very special, just black women being extraordinary as usual. I'm just supporting the culture with my purchase. I like hearing some background about my heroes Issa Rae, Ava Duvernay, Misty Copeland etc but its nothing you couldn't read in their respective books. Its 60 super condensed stories of black girl magic.

[Krystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this book was not even written for me, I was able to find abundant joy in this authentic celebration of diverse black womanhood, so I am thrilled to recommend this gem to one and all!

[Akosua Pinaman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love! Love! Loved it! So much truths which triumph borders and every single black woman can identify with regardless of which part of earth you are, void of the stereotypical narration.
This is definitely for keeps.

[Abbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this book. EVERYTHING! I was familiar with some of the women featured but there were also many that I was not; and I loved reading about all of them. This amazing collection of essays written in the words of Black women that are out here being a living example of excellence and perseverance is so incredibly inspiring and encouraging. Every woman that identifies herself as Black needs a copy of Beverly Bond's book, Black Girls Rock! in their home. It will push you to tap into that mind-blowing magic that we posess.

[Jeanette Blain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Black Girls Rock! is a stunning collection of essays (with photos) by black women from all walks of life. The book is full of hope, power, and inspiration. I enjoyed reading this.

Disclosure: I received an E-ARC of this book in exchange for honest feedback.

[Kimberley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of Black Girls Rock via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

“If you want in somewhere, you are going to have to make your own door: you make the frame, you put the knob on it. There’s no way on God’s earth we would get anything done if we waited for “the Man” to open doors for us. And when that door opens for you, you shine brighter than anyone else has ever shone. All the while, you have to understand this: none of us got here alone. Your ancestors are your battery—Judith Jamison”

Quotes like the one above flow like water in this beautiful book. From its cover to its content, there is nothing but greatness and magic to be found.

If ever there were a must-have manual of black excellence, in the female form, this is it.

Beverly Bond reached out to some of the country’s most successful black women, and asked them to drop some knowledge ...and they obliged.

The book is filled with women from every corner and discipline: business, music, entertainment, academia, literary, etc.

Some of the names you’ll know, while others are on the rise.

All had something worthwhile to say and I often found myself silently passing an “Amen” in their direction.

This is a book for everyone, and should be on the shelf of every mother in America--both black and white—because of the way it displays the force of a woman empowered is everything.

I most definitely plan to add this one to my personal bookshelf, and will be gifting a few as well.

[Duane · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a Black man, the daily struggle, struggle & self-doubt/hate that we have to overcome is enough to explain why most of us have high blood pressure. But this book gives voice to the overwhelming struggle that Black women have to confront which makes our lot seem like a walk in the park. Black women who have excelled in all walks of life, including celebrities, in their essays, describe how Black women rock. Intense feelings of being minimized at every turn from being regarded as the opposite of beautiful, but still lusted after in the misogynistic world, assumed to mentally crippled and not capable of pursuing challenging careers or endeavors, presumed not to have a voice at any platform or on any issue that matters, stereotyped as beings who just don't matter at every turn. these women, who in somehow broke through all these self-esteem sapping societal expectations to excel in their own fields share how they used these societal expectations as fuel to sustain their motivations as they burst through the doors blocking their way. It gave me a sharper appreciation for the path that Black women must navigate.

[Roberta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Black Girls Rock!

I am unsure if there are enough adjectives in any language to describe how awesome this book was. All the time while reading it I felt like page by page I was surrounded by beautiful, strong, and unique black women cheering me on and telling me to ‘go head go head go head’!
I could not have read this book at a better time! So much so that I believe it was predestined!
This book was so yummy that I felt like I had taken a trip to my favorite ice cream place Cold Stones (minus the calories) and got to have a taste of every flavor and topping! Represented in the book was a spectrum of black women. You found within the pages flavorful hues, diverse talents and skillsets, a variety of styles and tastes, unhinged perspectives, and an abundance of sundry backgrounds and upbringings all within black culture. I loved to see how diverse our people are and just be able to take a moment and relish in it and be proud to be a part of such a wonderful tribe.
Black women have a rhythm and a resilience and through telling our individual stories we encourage one another to embrace our journeys both individually and collectively. And that is why we rock!

[Leonard · Rating 4 out of 5]

The subtitle of this book is “Owning our Magic. Rocking Our Truth.” which doesn’t come close to telling us all we need to know about this informative title. Some of the women featured in here you’ve heard of before including Michelle Obama, Serena and Venus WIlliams, and Angela Davis. Others may be new to you like they were to me. That includes Dr. Knatokie Ford, a biomedical scientist and former senior policy advisor for the White House Office of Science and Technology, Luam Keflezgy, a dancer, artistic director, and choreographer, and Haben Girma, attorney, author, speaker, and the first deafblind graduate of Harvard Law School. These are impressive and very accomplished women and their stories are told by themselves from the heart, including the hurdles they had to clear in order to accomplish their goals. It’s both sad that they had to face these challenges, some of them only because they were black, and also encouraging and inspiring that they succeeded in their endeavors. A positive and uplifting book for all to read.

[Antonnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although it took me a long time to read it, only because I didn't allow myself to be committed to reading it, I learned so much from everyone story that prompted me to evaluate myself and realize I too am a black girl that rock despite not having a celebrity status. I know have a better understanding of the true meaning of a black girl that works and feel more empowered after reading this book. I went through many different emotions reading this book and appreciate the participants transparency, vulnerability, strength, courage, challenges, etc. I've gained so much insight into many things that I didn't know, introduced to individuals I asked myself, "where have you been my whole life". A must read!!!

[Ama Darkoa A-D · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audio book version of Black Girls Rock and it felt as though I was there,I was being spoken to directly.
The stories of great black women such as Audrey Lorde,Maya Angelou,Nina B.Simone,Harriet Tubman,Nana Yaa Asantewaa,Sojourner Truth,Ruby Bridges,etc was beautiful, black and bold!
Those excerpts from the Black Girls Rock Awards Night by Michelle Obama,Rihanna,Ava DuVernay was so awesome.
And every other poem,essay,story in this sacred book is so essential for all women especially women of colour.
I read the actual book too and the images of the women attached made it extra beautiful.
this is an IMPORTANT BOOK for EVERY BLACK WOMAN and GIRL.

I definitely recommend it to you.
So this is to great strong black women;
May we know them,
May we be them,
May we raise them!

[Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really really enjoyed this book- I listened to the audio version, but I think this is one I want to have a physical copy of to make notes. It's hard listening to a book and trying to make notes at the same time is tough :).

Some of my favorite essays::
Lupita Nyong'o
Maxine Waters
Michelle Obama
Mary J. Blige
Afya Ibomu (What you eat becomes you)

Ultimately, what this book boils down to is a collection of inspiration. There are Black women from every walk of life, from one extreme to the other, showcasing their stories to empower Black girls and women. I found many felt relatable, as a woman. This is one I will be recommending to our students and adults alike.

[Ms. Woc Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an amazing collection of stories and inspiring speeches from beautiful and successful black women. I often put this down and picked it back up again while highlighting and bookmarking. Some of these women have experienced the same struggles that I experienced whether it be not liking how my hair looks or feeling different than my white peers due to my dark skin. I hope those who read this find the message clear: Black Girls are Magic and no matter how hard we fall we too will rise.

[Diva Dina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Black Girls Rock is broken into 9 sections that focuses on Black women who have made a difference in the arts, sciences, technology, finance, business. These women prove in their own way that Black Girls Rock and put their own definition on the phrase. Some of the women are familiar such as award winning actress and now director Regina King or award winning actress Lupita Nyong’o while others are introduced to us such as biomedical scientist Dr. Knatokie Ford and celebrity chef Afya Ibomu. However, the stories all resonate loud and clear: Black Girls Rock!

[Isatta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Black Girls Rock is an inspiring book filled with amazing black women who have contributed their greatness to society. Reading this book ( I've read it three times) gives you a feeling of pride greater than the feeling of actually completing the TBR list you set for yourself. I found out about some different black women I was unfamiliar with before but the greatest impact this book had on me was my ability to realize there are many amazing women who look like me in this world.

[Tasheika B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a Phenomenal, Inspirational, Uplifting masterpiece of black women and their success stories. I really enjoyed all the women show cased in this book. I have been trying to read this book since last year did not have the time but how on time it was for me to read it now especially the type of climate the world is in right now especially centered around black women. I highly recommend this book!

[Michael Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good inspirational book lifting up all the reasons that black girls and women rock. This should be a mandatory read for every one. Especially the last couple of pages. This book showed us the many perspectives of black women and girls, their accomplishments, their struggles what drives them and in inspires, how they move through the world and what makes them amazing. I learned about women I never knew about and loved reading from their on perspective. Really good read.

[Feborah Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book came to me a the perfect time. I was in great need of remembering who I was, embracing my power and openly giving and receiving the magic. Not only did I finish this book full of pride for all of these women and their stories, I took their journeys into myself, gathered the advice and affirmations, lifted my head and quietly, very quietly; ROARED.

[Vėjas Galvoje · Rating 3 out of 5]

Smagus tas judėjimas. Sutinku, kad tamsios odos merginoms yra stipriai sudėtingiau nei kitoms, viskas priklauso nuo aplinkos ir t.t. Aišku, kad viskas priklauso nuo mūsų pačių, nuo tiek kiek įdėsi pats į savo gyvenimą ir pažangą.
Tačiau formatas knygos man nelabai patiko, po kelių nuomonių jau pradėjo kartotis ir t.t. todėl antroje pusėje nuobodu darytis pradėjo...

[Jenn Howell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really powerful and the recounts from all those women were amazing. I believe all women, especially black women, should read this book. It certainly made me look at things in a different light and I'm really I took the opportunity to read it.