Tuesday night was an evening of black beauty at it’s finest.

The annual Black Girls Rock! event aired on BET with a lineup of well-deserved recognition and performances by some of our favorite entertainment, political, and social representatives. This year, Black Girls Rock! celebrated U.S Rep. Auntie Maxine Waters, Issa Rae, Solange Knowles, Yara Shahidi and others for their outstanding achievements in their respective industries.

Taraji P. Henson served as master of ceremony for the evening.

Each of the celebrants recited speeches that made women of color feel appreciative of themselves, where they came from and where they’re going. Waters touched on such and even expressed her difficulties in politics.

“I want you to know, if it was not for the love and respect shown to me by black women, those right-wing ultraconservatives … they would have me believe I’m too black, I’m too confrontational, I’m too tough and I’m too disrespectful of them,” she told the audience. “But now I know I’m simply a strong,black woman.”

Solange’s speech had a refreshing summation on why she’s grateful to be black. “Black women make me feel invincible.”

Other celebrities were honored for their achievements in STEM research and activism:  Derrica Wilson and Natalie Wilson of the Black & Missing Foundation and physicist Njema Frazier.

Anthony Hamilton, SZA, Tasha Cobb, Ledisi, India Arie and Tyrese all took the stage and put on awesome performances.

Check out a few photos from the night:

 

For highlights of the evening, go visit BET.com.

 

Photo credit: Getty Images for BET