"But what women like my mother, Betty Jane, and my Aunt Golden taught me was that there will be times when you seem to face insurmountable obstacles but that’s when you dig deep into your soul with confidence and fortitude." - Angela Bassett.
Angela Bassett was recently awarded the highest honor at the 2019 Black Girls Rock Awards, which aired on BET on Sunday. The award show is dedicated to celebrating the excellence and contributions of black women and was created by DJ Beverly Bond. So it doesn't come as a surprise when Angela Bassett bagged the Icon Award.
"When you're told you're not good enough, you tell them 'not only am I good enough, I'm more than enough!'"- Angela Bassett #BlackGirlsRock (📷: Getty) pic.twitter.com/L0GSuaQgTb
— ESSENCE (@Essence) September 9, 2019
The celebrated actress received the accreditation with a powerful speech that resonated in the hearts of many people. She told the cheering audience that as a person she had finally found purpose in life which was a dream she had since she was a teenager. Bassett told the audience that she went through some rather tough time, but that never came in the way of her integrity.
Not only am I good enough, I'm more than enough. I am HOME. This is me being resolute and standing firmly in my truth. You tell them that you are the descendent of royalty and that you are a QUEEN. 👑 - Angela Bassett #BLACKGIRLSROCK pic.twitter.com/oxXFxroZMJ
— analog.lady (@analoglady) September 9, 2019
The Golden Globe-winning actress said: "My purpose as a Black woman, as an actress, has always been to portray excellence on the screen, to be proud, unapologetic and without regret. It hasn't always been easy, and there have been tough times, days when the phone didn't ring, even after 'What's Love Got to Do With It.' As well as moments of uncertainty and doubt."
“When they tell you you’re not beautiful, tell them you are a descendent of royalty. You are a QUEEN.” - Angela Bassett #BLACKGIRLSROCK pic.twitter.com/8xSxH6bxv2
— xoNecole (@xonecole) September 9, 2019
"But what women like my mother, Betty Jane, and my Aunt Golden taught me was that there will be times when you seem to face insurmountable obstacles but that’s when you dig deep into your soul with confidence and fortitude," Bassett added.
Adjusting my crown, after this #AngelaBassett speech! 👸🏾 #BLACKGIRLSROCK pic.twitter.com/IT6xOIDgcZ
— LaShannon Petit (@Lala_Bangs) September 9, 2019
Amidst a resounding round of applause, Bassett reminded the cheering audience that everyone is destined for greatness despite any detours life may throw at them. The legendary actress when on to thank her family and loved ones as well as a string of inspirational women like Tina Turner, Rosa Parks and so on.
‘When they tell you that you’re angry or nasty, you tell them that they’re mistaken.This is me being resolute and standing firmly in my truth. And when they say you’re not beautiful, you tell them you are the descendant of royalty- Angela Bassett with a WORD at #BlackGirlsRock 👑 pic.twitter.com/UOQWn7ahEL
— Dionne Grant (@DionneGrant) September 9, 2019
But it was as Bassett was winding down the speech when things truly got absolutely passionate. She said: "So when you're told you're not good enough, you tell them, not only am I good enough, I'm more than good enough. When they say send her back home, you tell them I am home. I am the foundation of what you call home. When they tell you that you're angry or nasty, you tell them that they're mistaken. This is me. This is me being resolute and standing firmly in my truth. And when they say you’re not beautiful, you tell them that you are the descendant of royalty."