Cedars-Sinai’s 16th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration included keynote speaker Debra L. Lee, chair and chief executive officer of BET Networks. The event was open to to all Cedars-Sinai employees, patients and visitors. Patients were able to view the event on the in-house TV channel in their rooms.

Debra Lee is chairman and CEO of BET network. (photo courtesy of Cedars-Sinai)

Lee was introduced by Keith Black chair of the Department of Neurosurgery, and the program co-chair. Lee spoke about how King’s legacy affected the lives of black women. In addition to Lee’s keynote address, this year’s celebration featured a musical performance by Chuck Wansley After Hours.

Named one of The Hollywood Reporter’s 100 Most Powerful Women in Entertainment, Lee’s achievements over more than 25 years with BET Networks have earned her numerous accolades from across the cable industry, and recognition as one of this country’s most respected business executives.

Lee recently was inducted into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame and is affiliated with a number of professional, civic and cultural organizations, including the American Film Institute, Brown University’s Center for the Study of Slavery and Justice, and the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. She earned her juris doctorate and a master’s degree in public policy from Harvard University, and graduated from Brown University with a bachelor’s degree in political science and a doctorate in humane letters.