With so many stars in D.C. for Barack Obama’s inauguration, Saturday at the Warner Theatre was the perfect time and place for the second annual BET Honors, and Sister 2 Sister was there for the live taping.

Entrepreneur Earvin “Magic” Johnson, lifestyle maven B.Smith, Alvin Ailey choreographer Judith Jamison, South Carolina Congressman James Clyburn, songstress Mary J. Blige and media mogul Tyler Perry were all on hand to be recognized for outstanding achievement in their respective fields. The ceremony was also a chance to thank the honorees for things they’ve done to give back to the community. Mary, for example, will open the Mary J. Blige Center for Women later this year.

Gabrielle Union hosted the show, and Samuel L. Jackson, Angela Bassett, Diddy and Whitney Houston (yes, Whitney Houston) were among the presenters. Other notables in the audience include actress Cicely Tyson, Herbie Hancock, Joe and Mayor Ray Nagin of New Orleans. 

You already know that President-elect Barack Obama and the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. were the names on everyone’s lips. Magic even made a vow to Barack that he would strive to be better and do more in 2009. Still others spoke about what an inspiration Barack’s election is to Black America. As Tyler said during a more composed moment in his acceptance speech, “There is so much more to us than we have shown this world.”

Be sure to tune in to the BET Honors when it airs on February 9 at 9 p.m.

-- Sonya Eskridge

What was the live taping like? Check out a behind-the-scenes glimpse