BET Announces the 2011 BET Honors Honorees

Cicely Tyson, Jamie Foxx, Iman and others are chosen as this year's recipients.

NAACP to Honor Cicely Tyson - The NAACP has announced that actress Cicely Tyson will be honored with the Association’s highest honor, the Spingarn Medal. Tyson, who will be the 95th person to receive the prestigious award, will accept the honor at the oldest civil rights organization’s convention in Kansas City July 15. “Cicely Tyson’s contributions to African American arts and culture in both acting and modeling are unprecedented and inspiring."

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Cicely Tyson - The iconic actress will receive the Theatrical Arts Award.

Get to Know Cicely - Cicely Tyson was born in Harlem, New York, in 1933. She was discovered by a photographer for Ebony magazine and would soon conquer Hollywood. In 1972, she was honored with an Oscar nomination for Sounder and she would later go on to win two Emmys. Tyson is an icon, breaking barriers for African-Americans in theater.

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Get to Know Cicely - Cicely Tyson was born in Harlem, New York, in 1933. She was discovered by a photographer for Ebony magazine and would soon conquer Hollywood. In 1972, she was honored with an Oscar nomination for Sounder and she would later go on to win two Emmys. Tyson is an icon, breaking barriers for African-Americans in theater.

Jamie Foxx's New Sketch Comedy - Entertainer Jamie Foxx landed a pilot on Fox for a new sketch comedy show. Foxx, along with two other “In Living Color” writers (Fax Bahr and Adam Small) will serve as the untitled project’s executive producers.

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Jamie Foxx - Jamie Foxx will receive the Entertainer Award. Previous honorees include Alicia Keys and Mary J. Blige.

Get to Know Jamie - Jamie Foxx is a Texas native who got his big break on In Living Color. His roots are in comedy, but he would go on to win a Grammy, and his 2004 performance in Ray would earn him a Golden Globe and an Oscar. And we can't forget—Foxx was one of the most memorable BET Awards hosts.

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Get to Know Jamie - Jamie Foxx is a Texas native who got his big break on In Living Color. His roots are in comedy, but he would go on to win a Grammy, and his 2004 performance in Ray would earn him a Golden Globe and an Oscar. And we can't forget—Foxx was one of the most memorable BET Awards hosts.

Herbie Hancock - The legendary Herbie Hancock will receive the Musical Arts Award.

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Herbie Hancock - The legendary Herbie Hancock will receive the Musical Arts Award.

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Get to Know Herbie - Hancock has transcended jazz ever since he touched an instrument. Hancock had 11 albums chart during the '70s, and 17 between 1973 and 1984. He is quite possibly the most successful and eclectic jazz musician of all time.

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Get to Know Herbie - Hancock has transcended jazz ever since he touched an instrument. Hancock had 11 albums chart during the '70s, and 17 between 1973 and 1984. He is quite possibly the most successful and eclectic jazz musician of all time.

Iman - Supermodel Iman will receive the Service Award.

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Iman - Supermodel Iman will receive the Service Award.

Get to Know Iman - Iman began her career in 1975 as a model and has challenged the prevailing notions of beauty ever since. The daughter of an African diplomat, Iman was born in Somalia and grew up speaking five languages. In addition to running a global beauty company, Iman is actively involved in several charities, including the Children’s Defense Fund and Action Against Hunger. She is also the global ambassador for Keep a Child Alive.

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Get to Know Iman - Iman began her career in 1975 as a model and has challenged the prevailing notions of beauty ever since. The daughter of an African diplomat, Iman was born in Somalia and grew up speaking five languages. In addition to running a global beauty company, Iman is actively involved in several charities, including the Children’s Defense Fund and Action Against Hunger. She is also the global ambassador for Keep a Child Alive.

Lonnie Bunch - Lonnie Bunch will receive the Education Award.

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Lonnie Bunch - Lonnie Bunch will receive the Education Award.

Get to Know Lonnie Bunch - Lonnie Bunch III is the founding director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African-American History and Culture. The historian, author, curator and educator has held numerous teaching positions across the country. He has written on topics ranging from the Black military experience, the American presidency and all-Black towns in the American West to diversity in museum management and the impact of funding and politics on American museums.

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Get to Know Lonnie Bunch - Lonnie Bunch III is the founding director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African-American History and Culture. The historian, author, curator and educator has held numerous teaching positions across the country. He has written on topics ranging from the Black military experience, the American presidency and all-Black towns in the American West to diversity in museum management and the impact of funding and politics on American museums.

Linda Johnson-Rice - Linda Johnson-Rice will receive the Media Award. She is chairman of Johnson Publishing Company, Inc., home of Ebony and Jet magazines and Fashion Fair Cosmetics. Under her leadership, the company remains the No. 1 African-American owned and operated publishing company in the world.

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Linda Johnson-Rice - Linda Johnson-Rice will receive the Media Award. She is chairman of Johnson Publishing Company, Inc., home of Ebony and Jet magazines and Fashion Fair Cosmetics. Under her leadership, the company remains the No. 1 African-American owned and operated publishing company in the world.