Monitoring 106 & Park’s The top ten video countdown was a childhood ritual, just like gathering around the TV to watch the BET The awards, which always marked this summer were officially in progress.
It is crazy to believe that 25 years have passed since his first episode 106 & Park shown, originally hosted by AJ CALLOWAY and Free Marie Wright. Then my childhood dream was to be in this audience. And this year, the full cycle came as I found myself sitting in the audience in this year’s Bet. May not have been the employee 106 & Park The audience like the back to the day – but to the crowd, as the bet paid tribute to the show that was so much formed from my childhood? That was more than enough.
I should have preferred it by saying 106 & Park It was the first time I saw something depicted what I wanted to be when I grew up. Free Maria walked to be where I am today. That is why the appearance of the show is honored during Monday’s Monday awards was such a soul experience for me.
Thus, when Bet opened the show with a complete tribute-responding to former hosts (minus AJ and Rocsi), carry the memory strip by reviving the set and blessing us with live performances by some of the artists who once dominated the first countdown Ashanti, American; Pride; Keyshia ColeB2K, and K. 106 & Park own, Close It was my teenage dream that was playing in real time.
Despite the black joy that appears in the theater, chaos and tension boiled out in the center of Los Angeles, with President Donald Trump deploying military forces in response to the city’s protests.
With Kevin Hart As a host (who did not hold on to any of his jokes), nostalgia was the main course in this year’s awards show and I lived for every minute.
Just before everything starts, Tequila cardThe acquisition of the pregame on the carpet was the place to be. Jharrel jeromeDominique Perry, Teedra moses and several cast members from BMF Commissioner in and out for the vibe and a cocktail (or two) before reaching the Peacock Theater for the main event.
And believe me when I say that the energy inside the Peacock Theater was incomparable. It was a true black tie affair, with everyone adorning their best clothes and jewelry to celebrate what he really lived until his title: “The biggest night of culture”. However, it is equally important to mention that despite the black joy in the theater, chaos and tension were boiled out in the center of Los Angeles, with President Donald Trump developing military forces in response to the protests of the city’s immigration.
However, with the true nature and spirit of black people during the test times. We appeared, presented and kept in every ounce of happiness we could gather. The nearly five -year show paid tribute to legends Mariah Carey; Snoop dogg, Kirk Franklin and Jamie foxx.
Was there no dry eye in the building when FOXX accepted his Lifetime Achievement award, using the moment to reflect on his second chance in his life after almost a deadly stroke in 2024 and our girlfriend Mariah? She reminded us that it is okay to be a diva, or in her case, extremely wonderful, as long as you live for yourself and no one else.
Let’s keep it real for a second. When Kendrick Lamar It was announced as the best male hip-hop artist, the crowd, including me, I just knew that we were going to hit “Kendrick could not be here tonight” to support ourselves. After all, his Grand National Tour partner, Sza (SIS just arrived in Modias late), won the best R&B/Pop artist. But even a presenter Captain He seemed shocked when Kendrick actually appeared to accept his award and appeared on stage to remind fellow artists that you are never too big for the bet – the platform that always embraces ours.
In addition to the nostalgia and love that fill the room, another remarkable table was the way everyone, if not all, from the winners, took a moment to speak with the power of faith and to work with God to make their dreams come true.
Then I said to myself: The next time I am here I will work it. In 2024, this dream came true. I worked the red carpet for the first time. And in 2025? I have been leveled in a way that I could not have been written.
As I sat there at the audience, I could help but think back to my first experience at the bet. It was summer after my first year of college.
My roommate’s dad, Anthony Nelson, worked at Bet and brought us to Los Angeles to enjoy the show. The moment was one of the many first for me. It was my first flight, my first time in Los Angeles and in my first awards. The irony of everyone is at the time when I was studying the journalism of the show with dreams being one of the voices I saw on the carpet. Then I said to myself: The next time I am here I will work it. In 2024, this dream came true. I worked the red carpet for the first time. And in 2025? I have been leveled in a way that I could not have been written. Proof that if you have a dream and the courage to follow it, the possibilities are endless.
Before the show closes, Cirk Franklin He took us to church with a speech that changed my soul. Said:
“I’m not even a perfect artist because I can’t even sing, which makes this award even more amazing because what I really do doesn’t make sense, if you hear that, then you know that it is God, when you have no sense, when you have this job, you are less suitable for.
THE Tunes from heaven The Gospel icon did not stop there – it continued to go, reminding us precisely why it was essential to our breeding lists and prayers for decades. “You are the first in your family to break a genetic curse. But you are the same by the family. It makes no sense when you try to explain how favored they are not fair, how those who hatred you only help you.
It was then that it really hit me. None of this trip-106 & ParkBroadcast Dreams, red carpets, medium seats at the bet awards – none of it made sense until I realize that God continues to show me how good he can get. At every opportunity, every landmark, every step along this trip, I am exactly where I should be. And so I know it’s real and destined to be on this path.
Like what do you see? What would you say for a while R29, here?
Doechii used her bet to call Trump
The tribute to Usher’s bet was (right) under the leadership of women
In the Super Bowl Halftime Show & America of Kendrick
