Courage of Heart at Essence Awards

Moviegoers know them as “The Original Kings of Comedy.” Viewers know them as stars of their own sitcoms.

Steve Harvey and D.L. Hughley team up tonight as hosts of “The Essence Awards 2001” (8 p.m. Fox), a two-hour special saluting individuals who have displayed strength in the face of adversity.

Samuel L. Jackson and tennis champs Venus and Serena Williams are the evening’s best-known honorees. Mothers Against Violence, a group of women brought together by tragic loss, will also be saluted.

Eve, Outkast, Yolanda Adams, Gladys Knight, Jennifer Holliday and Chaka Khan are among the performers in this program taped last month at New York’s Madison Square Garden.

Sean Combs, Camille Crosby, Iman, Aaliyah, Star Jones, Denzel Washington and Danny Glover are among the presenters.