Watch The BET Honors

The BET Honors is an annual awards ceremony that celebrates the achievements of influential African Americans in various fields, including art, entertainment, business, and philanthropy. The show, which began airing in 2008, features performances, tributes, and speeches from prominent figures in the African American community, as well as from the honorees themselves.

The 2009 edition of The BET Honors featured five honorees: singer and songwriter Anita Baker, actor and humanitarian Danny Glover, musician and producer Sean "Diddy" Combs, businesswoman and philanthropist Dr. E. Faye Williams, and lawyer and political commentator Keith Ellison. Each honoree was celebrated for their accomplishments and contributions to their respective fields.

The show was hosted by actress Gabrielle Union, who brought her trademark wit and charm to the stage. Union kicked off the show with a heartfelt tribute to the late Eartha Kitt, who had been a previous honoree. Union spoke about how Kitt's fearless spirit had inspired her and many others, and how her legacy continued to shine bright.

The show then moved on to pay tribute to Keith Ellison, who was honored for his work as a lawyer and his service as the first Muslim member of Congress. The tribute featured remarks from Ellison's colleagues, including fellow Congressmen John Conyers and Andre Carson, as well as a musical performance by jazz pianist Randy Weston. Ellison himself took the stage to accept his award, and delivered a powerful speech about the importance of diversity and inclusion in American society.

Next up was Anita Baker, who was honored for her musical accomplishments and her impact on the R&B genre. The tribute to Baker featured musical performances by artists such as Ledisi, Kelly Price, and Chrisette Michele, who each put their own spin on Baker's classic songs. Baker herself took the stage to accept her award, and gave a heartfelt speech about her journey as an artist and the importance of staying true to oneself.

The third honoree was Dr. E. Faye Williams, a businesswoman and political activist who had dedicated her life to advocating for social justice and empowering underserved communities. The tribute to Williams featured speeches by civil rights icon Julian Bond, political commentator Roland Martin, and Williams' daughter, as well as a dance performance by the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Williams took the stage to accept her award, and gave a stirring speech about the power of collective action and the importance of never giving up on one's dreams.

The fourth honoree was Sean "Diddy" Combs, a music mogul and entrepreneur who had made a huge impact on both the music industry and popular culture. The tribute to Combs featured video messages from celebrities such as Mariah Carey, Usher, and Quincy Jones, as well as a musical performance by Mary J. Blige. Combs himself took the stage to accept his award, and gave a rousing speech about the importance of dreaming big and never giving up on one's vision.

Finally, the show honored Danny Glover, an actor and activist who had been a prominent advocate for social justice and human rights for many years. The tribute to Glover featured speeches by political leaders such as Congressman John Lewis and former Ambassador Andrew Young, as well as a musical performance by Yolanda Adams. Glover took the stage to accept his award, and delivered a passionate speech about the importance of social change and the power of art to inspire and transform lives.

The 2009 edition of The BET Honors was a moving and heartfelt tribute to some of the most accomplished and inspiring African Americans of our time. Through speeches, musical performances, and video tributes, the show celebrated the honorees' achievements and their impact on American culture and society. The show also reminded viewers of the importance of diversity, inclusion, and social justice, and the power of individuals to make a difference in their communities and the world.