Beyoncé is set to receive the Humanitarian Award at the 2020 BET Awards Sunday, where she will be recognized for her life-long philanthropic work including recent COVID-19 relief efforts.
Both the superstar and her mother, Tina Knowles Lawson provided testing through the mobile testing initiative #IDIDMYPART “encouraging residents in her hometown of Houston and other Black and brown communities — who are disproportionately affected by the novel coronavirus — to know their status. She has also donated to support organizations on the ground helping to meet basic health and mental needs in vulnerable communities impacted by the pandemic.”
News of the awards follows the singer’s latest single “Black Parade” released on June 19 (Juneteenth). She also celebrates the launch of “BeyGOOD’s Black Business Fund, administered by the National Urban League, to support Black-owned small businesses.”
The 20th annual BET Awards will air virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic. The broadcast will be enhanced by “innovative techniques and artist-generated content.” Other honorees include Kobe Bryant and Little Richard. Both passed away this year. “Rapper Lil Wayne will pay tribute to Bryant, while actor and comedian Wayne Brady will speak about Little Richard.”
Scheduled to receive the 2020 Shine a Light honors are Timbaland, Swizz Beats, Nicolas Johnson, and D-Nice, and “anti-racist activist Assa Traore has been named BET International’s Global Good Recipient.”
“The awards show will feature appearances by Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Billy Porter, Lena Waithe, Lizzo, Michael B. Jordan, Naomi Campbell, Regina Hall, Saweetie, Viola Davis and Sterling K. Brown, among others. Performers include Alicia Keys, Chloe X Halle, DaBaby, Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, Megan Thee Stallion, Nas, Usher, and more.”
Also, Whoopi Goldberg will speak on social justice and BET’s 40th anniversary to include a special appearance by network founder Robert L. Johnson.
The BET Awards will air on BET and CBS on Sunday at 8 p.m. ET.
Photo credit: Jaguar PS
Source: THR
