Black AIDS Institute just recently honored Jussie Smollet or better known as Jamal Lyon in the Fox drama TV series 'Empire' during the "Heroes In The Struggle" (H.I.T.S) gala night. The annual event is a photographic tribute to Afro-Americans and their groups that made historic contributions in battling against HIV/ AIDS.

During the historic event, the 32 year old expressed how he was overjoyed by being one of the recipients of the "Heroes In The Struggle."  

He said, "I got the call from Phil Wilson (President and CEO, Black AIDS Institute) who's been one of my mentors since I was sixteen. He asked if I would be honored by the organization and I said of course."

"I love what the Black AIDS Institute has done and all of the lives that they've changed. I love Phil and to be honored by him is everything," the actor added.

His sister Journee together with his fellow actor Wilson Cruz who plays Rickie Vasquez in 'My So-Called Life,' presented the honor to him.

While fans of Jamal are expecting to hear surfeit of new music throughout the second season of the hit series 'Empire,' where producers Ne-yo, Swizz Beats and Timbaland will be joining him. He also shares that he will be recording his own album "sometime within the year."

On television, Jamal Lyon is a sensitive, talented, gay son of  one of the most influential people in the music industry. But in real life, together with his sister, they have been long involved in the movement that address the epidemic affecting Black American people, Smollett serves the board of the Black AIDS Institute.

For the past 15 years, nearly 100 famous people have been inducted into the H.I.T.S, including, politicians, religious leaders, corporations as well as people who are diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. Honorees include President Bill Clinton, Ervin (Magic) Johnson, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Bishop T.D. Jakes.