Grammy(R) Award Winning, Multi-Platinum, International Superstar Rihanna Will Receive the Rock Star Award at the 2016 "BLACK GIRLS ROCK!(TM)" Awards on BET Networks

HOSTED BY TRACEE ELLIS ROSS, "BLACK GIRLS ROCK!(TM)" 2016 WILL TAPE FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2016 AT THE NEW JERSEY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER IN NEWARK, NEW JERSEY

#BLACKGIRLSROCK

NEW YORK -- BET Networks and Beverly Bond, Founder, CEO and Creator of BLACK GIRLS ROCK!(TM) are delighted to announce eight-time Grammy(R) Award winner and multi-platinum selling artist, Rihanna, to receive the Rock Star Award at this year's BLACK GIRLS ROCK!(TM) Awards on BET. The chart topping singer, executive producer, fashion designer, actress, astute business entrepreneur and philanthropist will help illuminate the triumphs of brilliant Black women in an extraordinary night celebrating Black Girl Magic(TM). BLACK GIRLS ROCK!(TM) acknowledges the achievements of Black women who have broken barriers in the areas of art, music, philanthropy and community service. BLACK GIRLS ROCK!(TM) 2016 will tape on Friday, April 1, 2016 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, NJ and the broadcast will premiere on Tuesday, April 5, 2016 at 8:00 P.M. ET/PT.

This year the dynamic "BLACK GIRLS ROCK!(TM)" movement, founded by Beverly Bond, celebrates its 10 year anniversary and its sixth televised broadcast on BET Networks. The NAACP Award winning "BLACK GIRLS ROCK!(TM)" on BET continues to represent a revolutionary landmark in media as it delivers edifying, entertaining and inspiring content honoring the nexus of achievements made by powerful Black women and girls. Rihanna joins producer and writer Shonda Rhimes (Shot Caller Award), R&B legend Gladys Knight (Living Legend Award), The Walking Dead actress and Eclipsed playwright Danai Gurira (Star Power Award), award-winning actress and activist Amandla Stenberg (Young Gifted and Black Award), and Black Lives Matter founders Patrisse Cullors, Alicia Garza, and Opal Tometi (Community Change Agent Award) as this year's "BLACK GIRLS ROCK!(TM)" 2016 Celebrants.

For updates or more information about BLACK GIRLS ROCK! (TM) visit http://www.BET.com/blackgirlsrock and www.blackgirlsrock.com

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ABOUT BLACK GIRLS ROCK!(TM):

Founded by celebrity DJ, model and executive producer, Beverly Bond, BLACK GIRLS ROCK!(TM) is a multifaceted movement dedicated to shifting the culture of media images depicting Black women and girls. Since 2006, BLACK GIRLS ROCK!(TM) has been committed to empowering women through media and enriching girls through leadership, education, and positive identity development programs. For additional information on BLACK GIRLS ROCK!(TM), visit http://www.blackgirlsrock.com.

ABOUT BET NETWORKS:

BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIA.B), is the nation's leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 90 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and sub-Saharan Africa. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions: BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; CENTRIC, a 24-hour entertainment network targeting the 25- to 54-year-old African-American audience; BET Digital Networks - BET Gospel and BET Hip Hop, attractive alternatives for cutting-edge entertainment tastes; BET Home Entertainment, a collection of BET-branded offerings for the home environment including DVDs and video-on-demand; BET Event Productions, a full-scale event management and production company with festivals and live events spanning the globe; BET Mobile, which provides ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, which operates BET in the United Kingdom and oversees the extension of BET network programming for global distribution.

ABOUT NEW JERSEY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER:

New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), located in downtown Newark, New Jersey, is among the largest performing arts centers in the United States. It is the artistic, cultural, educational and civic center of New Jersey -- where great performances and events enhance and transform lives every day. As New Jersey's Town Square, NJPAC brings diverse communities together, providing access to all and showcasing the State's and the world's best artists, while acting as a leading catalyst in the revitalization of its home city. Through its extensive Arts Education programs, NJPAC is shaping the next generation of artists and arts enthusiasts. NJPAC has attracted over seven million visitors (including more than one million children) since opening its doors in 1997, and nurtures meaningful and lasting relationships with each of its constituents. Visit http://www.njpac.org or call 1-888-GO-NJPAC for more information.