Major League Baseball Honors Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin will be honored at the 2013 Major League Baseball Beacon Awards Luncheon next month (August 2013) alongside former baseball (and football) star Bo Jackson. The singer will be recognized in Chicago on August 24, 2013 before the MLB's annual Civil Rights Game, which features the Chicago White Sox against the Texas Rangers this year.

"The MLB Beacon Awards offer a positive reminder that there are individuals who use their celebrity and fame to make a positive difference in our society," Frank Robinson, MLB executive vice president of baseball development, said in a statement.

Bill Cosby, Morgan Freeman, Muhammad Ali and Hall of Fame baseball players Frank Robinson, Hank Aaron and Willie Mays are among those who have previously received MLB Beacon Awards. MORE HERE & HERE