Sept. 9 (UPI) -- Angela Bassett discussed how portraying strong women throughout her career has been a part of her life's purpose while receiving the BET Icon Award at the 2019 Black Girls Rock! ceremony.
"We all have purpose, even if we're still striving to understand what that is. When I decided as a teenager that acting would be my path, whether I recognized it or not, I was walking towards my purpose," the actress said during the event which was aired on Sunday.
Bassett encouraged the audience to seek out their purpose in life and to keep fighting.
"When they say send her back home, you tell them I am home," she said. "When they tell you that you're angry or nasty, you tell them they're mistaken, This is me. This is me being resolute and standing firmly in my truth."
"Now is not the time to be silent," Bassett continued. "Find your purpose, pursue it relentlessly, passionately and loudly. Be persistent and win."
BET's Black Girls Rock! ceremony is an awards show that honors and highlights black women across entertainment and philanthropy.
Regina King, who had introduced Bassett, won the Star Power Award. Other winners included Ciara winning the Rock Star Award and H.E.R. winning the Young, Gifted and Black Award.