BET Networks once again delivered over the weekend at it’s annual BET Honors Awards show in Washington, DC. Performers included Mariah Carey, Jennifer Hudson, Janelle Monae, Tamar Braxton, Smokey Robinson, Karen Clarke Sheard, the show was hosted by Wayne Brady. The show which honorsdistinguished African Americans performing at exceptional levels also gave back with proceeds from ticket sales going to Women Veterans Interactive (WVI), an organization that helps restore hope as well as provides housing options and support for veterans and their families in need. WVI was created to address the unique, and often unrecognized, challenges facing our nation’s 1.8 million woman veterans as they return to civilian life.
This year’s show which airs on Monday February 24th celebrates the achievements of the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, Motown Records founder and creator of the smash hit MOTOWN THE MUSICAL, Berry Gordy, American Express CEO & Chairman, Ken Chenault, visual artist, Carrie Mae Weems and entertainment trailblazer, Ice Cube.
Esteemed gentlemen, Rev. Al Sharpton, Joe Morton, Ludacris and Mack Wilds are also scheduled to present at this year’s show. “BET Honors” has become a staple in BET history by celebrating extraordinary African-Americans including Cicely Tyson, Jamie Foxx, Iman, Herbie Hancock, Whitney Houston, Queen Latifah, Sean “Diddy” Combs along with memorable past performances by Trey Songz, Ne-Yo, Yolanda Adams, Keyshia Cole, Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige and Patti LaBelle.
See some of the photos below, (side note: doesn’t Jennifer Hudson look great) and be sure to tune in on the 24th to see the entire show, we hear the Aretha Franklin performance is something legendary.