The 2008 BET Honors will be taped on January 12th at Washington, D.C.’s Warner Theatre, featuring key guests of honor Alicia Keys,Tyra Banks, Janice Bryant Howroyd, Richard Parsons, Maxine Waters, and Cornel West. Hosted by Cedric The Entertainer, the program will air on BET on February 22nd.

“We are thrilled to pay tribute to the thinkers, trailblazers and trendsetters whose accomplishments serve as inspirations for current and future generations,” Debra Lee, chairman and CEO of BET Networks said via statement. “Each of these remarkable individuals has made significant contributions to the Black community and American culture overall, and BET Networks is proud to recognize them through this very special, new tentpole event.”

John Legend, Stevie Wonder, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, and Wyclef Jean will also appear.