Held inside the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, New Jersey, the awards show, hosted by "Blackish" star Tracee Ellis Ross, gathered hundreds to honor women who are change agents in music, television, politics, culture and theater.
Danai Gurira who took the stage at the show, which will air Tuesday on BET, gave the audience powerful message of self-acceptance and self-care along with advice on how to forge their own path. Check out her acceptance speech below
"I know it can get tough out there. It can get downright ugly. I have walked the path or some version of it but know that you are designed for greatness. You have a resilience that is in your DNA...whether you want it or not. You are what the world is waiting for. Whether the world acknowledges that or not. Step into your uniqueness. Protect it. Nurture it. It is precious. No one can do what you can do or contribute what you are destined and designed to contribute."