BET Honors ceremony will take place on January 17th to kickoff the inauguration of America’s first black president, Barack Obama. BET will also be holding their firest ever Inaugural Ball! Tyler Perry and Mary J Blige will be saluted at the second annual BET HONORS. Majic Johnson, South Carolina Congressman James E. Clyburn, and others were also chosen to recieve the prestigious award. The event will be hosted by actress Gabrielle Union and will broadcast on the network on February 9th at 9 p.m. EST.   ”The BET Honors’ recognizes excellence in achievement and celebrates inspiration,” said the network’s programming head Stephen Hill. “Last year’s inaugural show had a number of leave-your-seat performances dedicated to our honorees. This year, we’re finding new ways to musically pay tribute so look forward to fresh, unforgettable moments. The pride will show.”

Additionally, BET’s Inaugural Ball, to be held at DC’s Mandarin Oriental hotel, will benefit America’s Promise Alliance, the nation’s largest non-profit alliance dedicated to the well-being of children and youth founded by Colin and Alma Powell.       

BET has advised that the Ball will support two institutions that are committed to the education and advancement of today’s youth in Washington, D.C. – Dunbar High School and the Duke Ellington School of the Arts.

BET will air a one-hour special surrounding the inauguration called “Yes We Will! BET’s Inaugural Celebration” on Jan. 20.