Lewis also performed "Lean on Me" (solo performance) along with Kirk Franklin at the 1999 Essence Awards.

Her many honors included the Essence Award this year, given to her by Essence, a magazine for black women.

He is also the executive producer of the Essence Awards on the CBS television network.

R&B singer Monica sang the song as a tribute at the Essence Awards 2003.

Essence Awards (2008)

Essence Awards (2003)

Essence Awards (2001)

At last night's Essence Awards, he and Dupri performed a single from the "Like Mike" soundtrack.

Despite some protesting beforehand ("I don't even know what the Essence Awards is," he told Raoof.

She's a recipient of the 2002 Essence Award for Excellence in Literature.