COLUMBIA -- U.S. House Majority Whip James Clyburn will share the spotlight tonight with some of Hollywood's biggest stars as a recipient of a BET honor for public service.
Among the honorees Clyburn, a Columbia Democrat, will share the stage with tonight are:
-- R&B songstress Mary J. Blige, being honored for her contribution to entertainment.
-- Businessman and former basketball star Ervin "Magic" Johnson, who is being honored for his philanthropy.
-- Television executive Tyler Perry, being honored for his feats accomplishments in media.
Clyburn, the highest-ranking black person in the U.S. Congress, is being honored for a lifetime of public service. He has been one of the leading voices in Congress for rebuilding the Gulf Coast region devastated by Hurricane Katrina.
A graduate of S.C. State University, Clyburn has been instrumental in helping historically black schools tap federal aid to renovate campuses, expand educational programming and upgrade technology.
The awards show was taped in Washington, D.C., during the weekend of the inauguration of President Obama. The show is hosted by actress Gabrielle Union, and airs at 9 tonight on BET (Comporium cable channel 52 or 56 in Rock Hill).
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