::THE SLICE REPORT WITH MONA AUSTIN

buzzz worthy. . . NEW YORK, NY- February 17, 2015 – Continuing the Black History Month celebration, BET Networks returns with the eighth annual “The BET HONORS” to pay tribute to the contributions of legendary African Americans in the areas of education, theater, business and technology, music and innovation. Comedian Wayne Brady hosts the show for the second year, honoring Tony Award-winning actress Phylicia Rashad (Theatrical Award), 21-time Grammy Award-winning entrepreneur Kanye West (Visionary Award), multi-platinum recording star Usher (Musical Arts Award), Dr. Johnetta Betsch Cole (Education Award), and Chairman of Microsoft, John W. Thompson (Business & Technology Award). “The BET Honors” premieres Monday, February 23, 2015 at 9 pm/ET. The show opened with an entertaining old-school hip hop performance by Wayne Brady that earned him a standing ovation from the audience. The star-studded roster of performers included Ne-Yo, K. Michelle, Mary J. Blige, Trey Songz, Patti ...

buzzz worthy. . . #BeingMaryJane, #BETHonors and #BOOKOFNEGROES New York, NY – BET is celebrating Black History Month in a major way with the highly anticipated return of the #1 new original drama series on all cable among adults 18-49 and women 18-49 “Being Mary Jane,” the epic premiere of the miniseries “The Book of Negroes” and the superstar “The BET Honors” 2015 lineup. The hit original series “Being Mary Jane,” starring Gabrielle Union, is back bigger than ever with 12, one-hour episodes beginning Tuesday, February 3, 2015 at 10 PM ET/PT. Created and executive produced by Mara Brock Akil, this season of “Being Mary Jane” finds Mary Jane once again juggling more than she can handle between family drama, bold career choices and a budding new relationship - possibly involving a child of her own. Union is accompanied by veteran actors Richard Roundtree and Margaret Avery and a supporting cast that includes Lisa Vidal, Richard Brooks, Raven Goodwin, B.J. Britt, Aaron D. Spears, ...

buzzz worthy. . . NEW YORK, NY –  BET Networks has confirmed  that actor and comedian Wayne Brady will host the 2014  “BET HONORS, ” a star studded unforgettable night celebrating distinguished Africans Americans performing at exceptional levels in the areas of music, literature, entertainment, media, service and education. Just in time for Black History Month, the show taping scheduled for Saturday, February 8, 2014 promises to inspire, electrify and educate.  “BET HONORS”  will air on BET Networks on Monday, February 24 at 9PM ET. “We are excited to have Wayne Brady host BET Honors this year. He made the most of his moment on the show last year and we knew pretty much immediately after that he was the multi-hyphenate talent we wanted leading this year’s festivities.” said Stephen Hill, President of Music Programming and Specials for BET Networks. “Wayne will dazzle and amaze and we can’t wait.” For over a decade, Brady has been entertaining audiences...

Gospel songstress Kim Burrell showed off a brand new body while wowing Whitney Houston with a serenade of "I Believe in You and Me" at the BET Honors recently. All ears were locked on her amazing voice, but eyes were undoubtedly afixed on Burrell's noticeably slimmer bod, caressed by a one-shouldered smug, black floor length dress--almost identical to the dress Mary J. Blige wore on the red carpet that night. Houston was also saluted by Jennifer Hudson. The 2010 BET Hip Hop Honors celebrated the accomplishments of Houston, Queen Latifah, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Dr. Ruth Simmons, and Dr. Keith Black on Jan. 16, at the Warner Theatre in Washington, DC. Pictured above: Whitney Houston stands in the audience enjoying Kim Burrell's performance. Mary J. Blige rocks the red carpet at the BET Honors in a similar dress that performer Kim Burrell wore at the same show.