Harvard Black Men’s Forum Names Jada Pinkett Woman of the Year

Everybody love’s Jada Pinkett-Smith, including the Harvard Black Men’s Forum. On Saturday, the organization held its 18th annual Celebration of Black Women in a celebratory dinner at Leverett House in Cambridge, MA, and they named Ms. Smith “Woman of the Year.”

Jada was recognized for her “trailblazing professional success,” and her and Will’s humanitarian efforts. Upon accepting the award, Jada said she tries to demonstrate to black women that anything is possible—like a black woman singing in a metal band.

“I’ve strived to show that we can be and do anything that we want,” she said.

Rather than presenting a rehearsed speech to accept the award, Jada requested that students ask her questions. Throughout the Q&A, she talked about her professional and personal role models, her values as a mother, her decision to become an actor, and her advice to young women seeking to balance a successful career with a fulfilling family life.

“She did a great job,” event attendee Cheta G. Emba said. “She offered a lot of encouragement and tips for how black women and women can make the most of the opportunities they are presented with. It was awesome.”

BMF also “honored black female students and celebrated the accomplishments of black women in the wider world,” including several women at the University. Congrats Jada!

Brande Victorian is a blogger and culture writer in New York City. Follower her on Twitter at @be_vic.

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