Let me start by saying Taraji is my aunty in my head! As a D(M)V girl when I see her, I see me and as we all know representation is key! From her scalp and hair health focused product brand TPH by Taraji, to her crusade to end the stigma around mental health matters in the Black community via The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, and her films ranging from Baby Boy to Benjamin Button, Taraji never misses her mark and her hosting of the 2021 BET Awards was no exception! Here are my top Taraji moments at this year’s BET Awards!
- Stating “I am that girl too” in recognition and solidarity with the fabulous 21 year old Olympian Sha’Carri Richardson. Again, representation is so essential. Sha’Carri, we see you! We support you! I too, am that that girl!
- Reminding Black men that “kings, we need you”. Those reminders of love, empathy, and a desire for one’s presence are words that people need to hear.
3. Embodying the the show’s theme “The Year of the Black Woman” through various costume changes including the Esther Jones-the original Betty Boop. She even provided us with a geography and history lesson about the Black dance art form of twerking and traversed its origins. The dance and performance connection was remarkable.
4. The business plug for TPH by Taraji while channeling Erykah Badu. Not only are Ms. Badu and Ms. Henson two of my favorite artists (and again my aunties in my mind, without the biological relation lol), I also support a good promotion of business. Taraji plugged her product brand TPH by Taraji and reminded audiences of Erykah Badu’s infamous incense as she performed a Badu-Henson blend while talking to the timelessly handsome Method Man-a moment for all of us at home!
5. Her glow as the immediately recognizable icon Tina Turner (a woman who’s musical catalog, life story, style, and legs are to die for).
6.Her hometown shoutout while introducing Roddy Rich. If you are from the DMV or spent some time in the area, you had to have heard the request for Mumbo Sauce, chicken fried hard, and the melodies of the Rare Essence Go-Go classic “Do You Know What Time It Is” all very reminiscent of Black culture in the D.C. Metropolitan area; if you know you know (and if you don’t, watch the video below and follow up with some research; you will find some cultural gems).