BET ‘20: 5 Times The BET Awards Got Political
As the only award show solely designed to celebrate the best in Black entertainment, the BET Awards has been a space for our community to shine.
It’s also been an avenue for Black entertainers and artists to highlight the social issues that continue to plague our community, a need that has never felt more essential as thousands of people across the U.S. take to the streets to protest the police killing of George Floyd.
From Usher to Kendrick Lamar, the BET stage has been an avenue for some of the most thought-provoking performances. Here are five poignant performances that shed a light and offered commentary on the societal injustices the Black community is still facing today.
Be sure to tune into the virtual BET Awards ceremony on June 28th at 8 pm EST.
H.E.R. and YBN Cordae Struck An Emotional Cord With Revolutionary Rendition Of ‘Lord is Coming’
Meek Mill And Miguel Delivered Powerfully Evocative Commentary With 'Stay Woke'
Chance the Rapper Issued Call to Action Against In His Acceptance Speech For Humanitarian Award
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Usher Took A Stand Against Donald Trump During His Appearance At The 2016 BET Awards
During his performance at the 2016 BET Awards, Usher had a pointed message for the U.S. ahead of the presidential elections. The R&B great took the stage donning a green jacket with the words “Don’t Trump America” emblazoned across the back in white, block letters during his performance of “No Limits” with Young Thug.
Kendrick Lamar Opened The 2015 BET Awards With Explosive Performance Of ‘Alright’
In this performance of his temporal classic, the Compton MC kicked off the 2015 BET Awards ceremony with an powerful performance of “Alright” from his Grammy-winning album, To Pimp a Butterfly. The stage opened with K.Dot atop a vandalized police car backdropped by a waving American flag. Since it’s release, the song has gone on to become an anthem for many for its embedded commentary on historical oppression of Black people in America.
BET has been covering every angle of George Floyd’s death in police custody, other social justice cases and the subsequent aftermath and protests. For our continuing coverage, click here.
