Janelle Monae Wins 'Young, Black and Gifted' Award at Black Girls Rock

Black Girls Rock! aired last night, honoring women in different fields including entertainment who have served as good role models for young Black girls.  Performer Janelle Monae won the Young, Black and Gifted Award. "This is a reminder that I have work to do. That I have people to uplift. That I have people to inspire...I have learned through my journey that perfection is often the enemy of greatness," she said.

Listen to her inspirational story and brilliant acceptance speech here.

Natural Beauty: Janelle Monae is the Newest CoverGirl

Entertainer Janelle Monae is one of the newest CoverGirl models. She'll be joining the easy, breezy, beautiful ranks of Black women spokesmodels including Tyra Banks, Queen Latifah, and Rihanna. 

 Janelle says her style icons include FLOTUS, Dorothy Dandridge, Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, and Kate Hepburn.

"I truly want to help redefine what it means to be a strong and beautiful woman in the music and fashion worlds. I'd love to encourage all women to embrace the wonderful things that make us unique. Becoming a CoverGirl is truly a gift--it opens up a new platform for me to inspire women to feel stronger, braver and more beautiful inside and out. I want everyone woman to know in her heart that she is already a CoverGirl," says Monae.

What's the best advice she's ever been given? "You are only as beautiful as the many beautiful things you do for others without expectation."

Well said. But how could we expect anything less from such a unique performer who can actually sing. [And one who wears clothes!] 

 You can see more of the photos here and the behind the scenes pictures here.