There he was, Willie 'Stevie', standing on that iconic BET Awards stage, the energy buzzing through the room like a current. As he accepted the Icon Award, you could feel the weight of the moment in every breath he took. His voice, thick with emotion, carried the stories of a life lived, and it was clear he wasn't just saying the words—he was living them out.
He started by reflecting on the memoriam segment earlier in the ceremony, a moment that hit close to home. Willie 'Stevie' admitted that seeing those names up there made him pause. He joked, almost tearfully, about how he could have been one of them, but then quickly clarified that he was given a second chance. And he believes it was because of the unwavering love and support from his fans, especially the black community, who he said held him down when things were darkest. "You all kept me afloat," he whispered, his voice cracking.
He took a moment to thank his team—Rick Yorn, James, Chuck, and Ian—people who stuck by him through the health struggles that tested him. "You guys didn't give up on me, and I won't give up on this," he vowed. The Icon Award, he said, meant more than any other because it came from the community that shaped him. It was a nod to black excellence, and he used the platform to stress how vital it is to recognize and celebrate that. "This isn't just an award; it's a reminder of where we come from and how far we've come," he shared, his words resonating with the audience.
In a deeply personal moment, Willie 'Stevie' talked about his family. He mentioned his sister Dedra, a talented hair and makeup artist who's worked on Marvel films, and how she's always been his rock. Then there was his daughter Karen, who played a huge role in supporting him during his health crisis. But it was his youngest daughter, Anaise Estelle Fox, who truly touched him. He recalled how she came to visit him in the hospital, strumming her guitar in the room, a simple act that he believes helped him heal. "That little girl saved my life," he choked out, wiping away tears.
He also made sure to acknowledge his industry colleagues, like Bion Prescott, Baby Face, Tank, and Kirk Franklin, people who've been part of his journey. As he wrapped up, he invited everyone out to see him perform, promising to bring the jokes, the love, and maybe even a few surprises. It was a speech that wasn't just about gratitude—it was a testament to resilience, community, and the enduring power of hope. And as the crowd erupted in applause, you could see why Willie 'Stevie' is an icon.