At the dawn of the millennium, Honey was rocking print pampers. The magazine was only a couple of years old — gloriously nascent and heaving with potential. Over the years, Honey’s managed to set the blueprint, fight off extinction, and resurrect itself — with a serious makeover.
Talk about survival of the fittest.
As we stand at the threshold of our next ten, we’d like to pay tribute to the women who’ve not only survived, but excelled. It’s not enough to simply remain relevant. We’re talking staying power, philanthropy, originality, creativity, star quality, strength, and influence. Presenting our nominees for our first-ever Honey Girl of the Decade Awards. Drum roll please…
And the nominees are:
Mary J. Blige: She’s racked up nine Grammy awards, eight multi-platinum records, and has sold over 48 million records worldwide but the feats don’t stop at R&B. The Queen of Hip hop Soul is also one of the first investors and spokeswomen for Carol’s Daughter cosmetics, as well as the philanthropic founder of FFAWN (Foundation For the Advancement of Women Now in Yonkers.)
Tyra Banks: One of our favorite renaissance entrepreneurs has taken over all aspects of the game — in front of the lens and behind-the-scenes. From her groundbreaking debut as a black supermodel to the success of her uber-successful talk show, Tyra is the epitome of triple threat and the American dream for little girls worldwide. She’s managed to destroy racial barriers in the fashion industry one magazine cover at a time, while remaining grounded in philanthropy with her T-Zone girls’ camp. And let’s not mention her takeover of the CW with America’s Next Top Model and The Tyra Banks Show.
Alicia Keys: Waltzing onto the music scene with Songs in A Minor, she hit record-breaking success as the best-selling new artist and best-selling R&B artist of 2001. As an accomplished classical pianist, songwriter, and actress — she redefines the term “artist.” Above all her musical accomplishments, Alicia Keys distinguishes herself as a Global Ambassador against HIV/AIDS and has been recognized numerous times for her humanitarian efforts in Africa.
Jennifer Lopez: The Bronx bombshell is the only Latina to conquer the best of both worlds — beauty and buzz. Some of us remember her as one of the infamous “Fly Girl” dancers on In Living Color, others still marvel at her outstanding performance as Latina sensation Selena in the 1997 biopic. From her big break in acting, to her foray into the music and fashion world with her clothing line, J.Lo has managed to remain relevant and most importantly she’s still “Jenny from the Block.”
Zoe Saldaña: From ballet shoes to bows and arrows, the divine Dominicana steals the spotlight with her skills and sun-kissed skin. Rising to new-found popularity with her recent roles in Star Trek and Avatar, Zoe holds it down for the Latinas as an accomplished dancer and talented actress. Racking up multiple awards and nominations this year including ALMA, Teen Choice and People, Zoe is the latest Honey girl to watch.
Raven-Symoné: Stealing hearts as The Cosby Show’s Olivia, as a knee-high toddler, Raven-Symoné was the youngin’ to lead the pack of child stars. For many young actors, the story stops at the season finale. Raven-Symoné, however, has found major success throughout the decade as an actress, singer/songwriter, designer and TV producer. There’s something about her smile that touches home with audiences young and old and given her success with Disney franchise’s The Cheetah Girls and That’s So Raven, she’s not going anywhere anytime soon.
Beyonce Knowles: From her days as leading lady of Destiny’s Child to her bodysuit-rocking, stiletto-stomping debut as Sasha Fierce, Beyonce never ceases to amaze. This Texan belle is nothing short of a mogul. Bey’ holds many illustrious titles in her repertoire. As one of the two female artists with the most number ones attained in the 2000’s, and recently named Billboard’s Top Female Artist of the Decade, her name is and will continue to be at the tip of everyone’s tongue.
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GIRLTALK
“Shaunie O'Neal is no longer a basketball wife. Do you think she'll soon be on the prowl like Joumana?”
8 hours ago by Jamie
i’m alll about zoe saldana for this one. just saw avatar and LOVED her!
uuum A.Keys should not be on this list unless it’s retitled Homewrecker of the decade… I’m just sayin. The crown she had officially needs to be removed in my book. I just dont understand how she continually gets a pass..
i thought this was Honey Girl of the decade not Homewrecker of the decade… A. Keys does not belong on this list… How she keep getting a pass?
Well if your talking about being around for decades half of the nominees hasen’t really been around that long to be in the running. If I had to choose from the ones that I feel are in the running (Mary J Blidge,Tyra Banks,Jennifer Lopez) I would have to choose the one that I feel has made the better overall impact for all women. I would choose Mary J. Blidge. She has fallen down picked herself back and shown all women that anything is possible and you can do. Her music has been around forever and she’s not limiting herself to just that. She’s acting,coming out with her own sunglasses line. I mean I could go on & on. So that would be my choice and why!!
Zoe! She has been on my radar ever since she was in Center Stage many many moons ago, and she has never let go of her positive image. She is always respectful and is a great role model and all around amazing entertainer. Not to mention that Avatar is the best movie I’ve seen in YEARS! Not even my sort of thing, but her passion is undeniable.
Oohhhh it’s actually a toss up for me between Beyonce and Alicia. Bey did music and movies (although nothing profound)…but Alicia is amazing <3
@honeybee, I dont see why Alicia Keys personal business should even be mentioned. The award is about the overall achievement the person makes to society(such as philanthropy, originality, creativity, star quality, strength, and influence). I think all the work she has done in Africa along with the money she has raised for HIV/AIDS awareness clearly outweighs her one personal indiscretion. I do not see anybody mentioning Mary J. Blige’s, past drug abuse as a reason why she shouldn’t recieve the award. Her good clearly outweighs the bad. Just my opinion.
I think Tyra should win. She has and is continuing to break down barriers. I love Mary J. Blidge too, she would be second.
…and I guess I should have included Mary J. in my last comment. She is overall amazing when you consider the last 10 years, but personally I just feel Zoe is amzing on so many levels. She can dance, act (I mean really act), she is quite charitable, and can even sing when it’s required of her. Not trying to sound like her cheerleader or anything, but the girl is ON!
Zoe is such a talanted actress. I loved her avatar
Zoe Saldana AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALL THE WAY!!!! She is ONE BAD MUTHAshutyomouth! For real! I loved her since the BEGINNING!!! LOVED HER IN ‘CENTER STAGE’!!! I’m a dancer too so, she left a mark with me since then! She’s just the bomb. Always so poised and beautiful. She hits her movie roles like it ain’t NOTHIN’!!! Center Stage. Bomb. Star Trek. Bomb. AND THE ROLE THAT KILLS EVERYTHING: Avatar. BOMB! I love her. She needs to win. She’s giving everyone else a run for their money. GO ZOE!
HAPPY NEW YEAR HONEYMAG!!!!
<3 SdotBerry from Los Angeles
Tyra! She is building herself and stapling herself as a brand. She started two major shows this past decade. ANTM- a worldwide sucess, and The Tyra Show. And we all know Beyonce is Legend.
Mariah Carey but since she isn’t nominated Tyra Banks
Too many great choices (with the exception of Raven), any one of them is deserving.
A Keyes is not in our face all the time. She is not shoved down our throats in things she does not do that well just because she is famous. She has her “own” style and flavor and thats what Honey is about have your “own” style. Not only being successful but having originality and creativity. While all the nominees are successful not all the nominees have the originality and creativity thing down. Tyra would be a close runner up. All the nominees are great but A keyes and Tyra have all the qualities.
Zoe rocks!!! Hands down…no contest
Mary all day! Come on she’s the queen