Black Girls Rock is back again for its eighth annual award ceremony this year honoring and celebrating the contributions of influential women of color making a difference in their respective fields. The festivities were taped on October 26^thand televised last night, bringing many stars and inspirational women including hosts Tracee Ellis Ross and Regina King, honorees Venus William, Patti LaBelle, and Queen Latifah, along with Mariah Carey, Skylar Diggins, Soledad O’Brian, and more to New Jersey at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark. The Huffington Post had a chance to speak with Queen Latifah about receiving an award as well as her delight that the show has taken place in New Jersey: “It’s from my peers, from my ladies,” Latifah said. “I’m happy it’s happening in Newark. I was born here, and I always try to come home, to let everyone know in Newark, Irvington, East Orange, Jersey City, that we can dream, and we can make those dreams reality.” The concept of Black Girls Rock was originally created in 2006 by Beverly Bonds to create a platform to display positive images of black women. This marks the fourth televised ceremony. Take a look at the PINK carpet looks below.

 Amber Riley

 

Jennifer Hudson

 

Keke Palmer

 

Kelly Rowland

 

Cast of Girlfriends

 

Michelle Williams

 

Nia Long

 

BGR hosts Regina King and Tracee Elllis Ross

 

Tatyana Ali

by Rachelle Saint-Fleur

*Photo from blackgirlsrockinc.com and cultureblaze.com