[Submitted via press release]
BET has confirmed that the 2014 BET Honors will recognise the achievements of five spectacular African Americans: Aretha Franklin, Berry Gordy, Ice Cube, Kenneth Chenault and Carrie Mae Weems.
A star-studded, unforgettable night dedicated to celebrating black excellence, this year’s BET Honors will be hosted by actor and comedian Wayne Brady and tapes at the historic Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C. on Saturday 8 February 2014.
BET Honors will premiere across Africa on BET International on Friday 28 February at 23:00 CAT.
- Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin will receive the Musical Arts Award for an incomparable four decades in music.
- Berry Gordy, record producer, songwriter and founder of Motown Records, will receive the Entrepreneur Award for creating the company that redefined an industry and became the soundtrack of a generation.
- Trailblazer O'Shea Jackson, better known as Ice Cube, will receive the Entertainer Award for his pioneering work in music and impressive career in film and television.
- Kenneth Chenault, Chairman and CEO of American Express, is set to receive the Corporate Citizen Award for his leadership in business and personal commitment to public service and philanthropy.
- Artist, activist and 2013 MacArthur Genius Carrie Mae Weems is the Visual Arts Award recipient for her provocative art which tackles complex issues of race, gender and class through video and photography.
“Being able to host the BET Honors in our nation's capital is definitely ‘Bucket List’ material for me,” said Wayne Brady. “Not too often do you get to pay homage to the industry icons you look up to, in front of your peers. I'm honoured to be part of the legacy BET has built with this award show.”
Proceeds from BET Honors will benefit the Women Veterans Interactive, a U.S. organization that helps restore hope as well as provides housing options and support for veterans and their families in need.