The 2021 Soul Train Awards [1] was packed with so many amazing highlights, but Jazmine Sullivan [2]'s acceptance speech definitely stands out! The R&B singer took home an award album of the year for Heux Tales, which embodies the different journeys to self-acceptance that Black women experience. During Sullivan's speech on Sunday night, she candidly admitted she felt "uncomfortable" being back on stage due to her weight gain amid the pandemic and almost didn't come to the show. However, she took strength from her own album to accept her rightfully deserved award.
"I wrote this project for women to love themselves, no matter what stage of life that they're in," Sullvan told the crowd. "You have to love yourself, especially because society would have us — especially Black women — not love anything about ourselves. I realise I can't just talk about it, I got to be about it." Throughout the night, Black women were truly honoured and uplifted by one another at the Soul Train Awards. Keep scrolling to watch Sullivan's speech, as well as hear Ashanti [3] and Normani [4]'s words of wisdom!
Ashanti’s Acceptance Speech at the 2021 Soul Train Awards
Ashanti was honoured with the 2021 lady of soul award for her decades-long contribution to the music industry. She even performed a medley of her greatest hits [7], including "Rain on Me," "Foolish," "Happy," and "Always on Time" with Ja Rule.
Normani’s Acceptance Speech at the 2021 Soul Train Awards
Normani's "Wild Side" music video [8] featuring Cardi B earned her an award for best dance performance.