BET and V10 Entertainment have announced The MLK, Jr. Beloved Community Awards will air on national television for the first time ever on Tuesday, February 3, at 8 p.m. ET/PT only on BET. The MLK Awards honor national and international individuals and organizations that exemplify excellence in leadership, unwavering commitment to social justice, and a dedication to fostering the Beloved Community. This event celebrates those who are making a significant impact in the world and to be inspired by their remarkable contributions. Honorees this year include Viola Davis, Billie Eilish, Warrick Dunn, as well as The LeBron James Family Foundation, with musical performances by Chance the Rapper, Syleena Johnson, October London, and Goapele.

The historic broadcast reflects BET’s continued commitment to elevating purpose-driven storytelling and creating cultural moments that move audiences beyond entertainment. By bringing The MLK, Jr. Beloved Community Awards to national television, BET is amplifying voices and stories that strengthen community, inspire cultural progress, and deepen connection across generations — ensuring Dr. King’s vision remains visible, relevant, and accessible to today’s audiences. The network’s decision to platform this celebration underscores BET’s mission to use its reach, influence, and cultural leadership to spotlight changemakers who are shaping a more just and equitable future.

“Our MLK, Jr. Beloved Community Awards are about recognizing people and organizations who, in some way, align their power with justice,” shared Dr. Bernice A. King, CEO of The King Center. “My hope is never to center celebrity, but to underscore the values we believe reflect leadership and create the Beloved Community. I am grateful for BET broadcasting these love-infused moments to millions.”

“This is more than a broadcast — it’s a responsibility,” said Louis Carr, President of BET. “At BET, we are committed to using our platform to elevate stories that matter. Premiering the Beloved Community Awards on our network allows us to center community, celebrate cultural leadership, and create space for meaningful connection that reflects the spirit of Dr. King’s legacy.”

“We’re honored to partner with Dr. Bernice A. King and BET for this celebration of exceptional achievement that recognizes leaders in community impact, humanitarianism, and social and environmental justice,” said John Stevens, CEO of V10 Entertainment. “This will be a night that not only celebrates remarkable contributions, but also remains deeply aligned with The King Center’s mission to empower and build a more humane and equitable world.”

The 2-hour event was filmed live in Atlanta – Anika Noni Rose and Aldis Hodge co-host with Dr. Bernice A. King, Jim Roush, Dr. Jatali Bellanton, Carter Skeath, John Stevens, Bonita T. Hampton Smith, Jeff Smith and Michael Johnson serving as executive producers.

 

The 2026 honorees include:

• Beloved Community Civic Leadership Award – Dr. DuShun Scarbrough, Sr. Executive Director of The Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission. This award will be presented by LaTosha Brown, Co-Founder of Black Voters Matter.
• Beloved Community Technological Innovation Award – Kara Water– Accepted by Cody Soodeen, CEO and Founder. This award will be presented by Sean Freeman, Actor. 
• Beloved Community Christine King Farris Legacy of Service in Education Award – Sesame Workshop – Accepted by Valerie Mitchell Johnston, Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Sesame Workshop. This award will be presented by Sonia Manzano, TV Producer, Actor, Author. 
• Beloved Community Yolanda D. King Higher Ground Award – Warrick Dunn – Former NFL Player, Philanthropist, Entrepreneur. This award will be presented by Chris Draft, NFL Alum and International Cancer Advocate. 
• Beloved Community Youth Influencer Award (Individual) – Dr. Dorothy Jean Tillman – Founder & CEO, The Dorothyjeanius STEAM Leadership Institute. This award will be presented by Iain Armitage, Actor.
• Beloved Community Youth Influencer Award (Corporation) – LeBron James Family Foundation – Accepted by Gloria James, Mother of LeBron James.
• Beloved Community Environmental Justice Award – Billie Eilish- Artist & Songwriter. This award will be presented by Wawa Gatheru, Environmental Activist.
• Beloved Community Coretta Scott King Soul of the Nation Award – Viola Davis – Actor & Producer. This award will be presented by Dr. Bernice A. King, CEO of The King Center.
• Beloved Community Corporate Social Impact Award – Cisco Systems, Inc. Accepted by Brian Tippens, SVP, Chief Social Impact & Inclusion Officer. This award will be presented by Dr. Jatali Bellanton, Neuropsychologist and Financial Educator. 
• Beloved Community Social Justice Award – Mónica Ramírez, Founder and President of Justice for Migrant Women. This award will be presented by Karine Jean Pierre, Political Advisor and 35th White House Press Secretary.
• Beloved Community Salute to Greatness Humanitarian Award- Robert F. Smith- Founder, Chairman and CEO, Vista Equity Partners. This award will be presented by Rockmond Dunbar, Actor.