In a time when service often goes unnoticed, BET took the road less traveled by setting aside an entire evening to recognize the contributions of five public servants. The third annual BET Honors, held at Washington, D.C.’s Warner Theater, honored “distinguished African Americans performing at exceptional levels in their respective fields.”
Although the mood was relatively subdued, in large part due to the ongoing struggles of our Haitian neighbors, there was still a lot to celebrate.
With Gabrielle Union serving as the beautiful host, the show honored Whitney Houston, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Queen Latifah, neurosurgeon Dr. Keith Black and the president of Brown University, Dr. Ruth Simmons. With moving musical tributes by Jennifer Hudson, Maxwell, Stevie Wonder, Mary J. Blige and others, the evening — while focused on the deserving honorees — also served the greater good.
“This evening is really about our young people,” said BET’s chairman and CEO, Debra Lee. “We want them to see that anything is possible. They need to see that you can succeed in so many different areas of life. You don’t have to just be an entertainer or an actor. There are many ways to achieve, and many ways to give back to the community.”
Well said … and well done BET. –dewayne rogers
BET HONORS airs Monday, Feb. 1, at 9:00 p.m.
