A few weeks ago, former supermodel Tyra Banks received a slightly underwhelming accolade, being named Woman of the Year by OK! Magazine. Now, however, the creator and host of America's Next Top Model is receiving a bit more prestigious honor.

She has been named as one of the recipients of the first-ever BET Honors, and she will receive the award this Saturday in a ceremony that will then air on BET in February. She is receiving the award for her overall media work, including her talk show as well as America's Next Top Model. Tyra is being honored along with performer Alicia Keys (Entertainment Award); Dr. Cornel West, University Professor in the Center for African American Studies (Award for Education); Richard Parsons (Corporate Citizen Award); The Honorable Maxine Waters (Public Service Award) and CEO Janice Bryant Howroyd (Entrepreneur Award).

Debra Lee, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BET Networks said of the event, "We are thrilled to present the first-ever BET HONORS and pay tribute to the thinkers, trailblazers and trendsetters whose accomplishments serve as inspirations for current and future generations. Each of these remarkable individuals has made significant contributions to the Black community and American culture overall, and BET Networks is proud to recognize them through this very special, new tentpole event. We've done a number of significant shows in other cities, but what better place to honor these individuals than in our home city of Washington, D.C."

The event will be hosted by Cedric the Entertainer and will also include appearances by Stevie Wonder, John Legend, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Wyclef Jean, Danny Glover, Kerry Washington, Vivica A. Fox and Hill Harper.

Fans of the America's Next Top Model host can catch the airing of this special award ceremony on BET on Friday, February 22 at 8pm Eastern.

- Leslie Seaton, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: Reuters
(Image courtesy of CW)