Former Vice President Kamala Harris, Dave Chappelle and the Wayans household are among the many many African American artists, content material creators, activists and change-makers to be honored at this yr’s NAACP Picture Awards on Feb. 22.
An annual celebration of Black excellence, the awards air stay from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium at 8:00 p.m. ET on BET and CBS, and the published has been prolonged by half-hour to run for two.5 hours.
Earlier than the televised occasion, the awards ceremony will announce winners in varied classes, with non-televised awards offered nearly on Feb. 18 and 19 by way of the NAACP Picture Awards YouTube channel. The Artistic Honors ceremony will likely be held on Feb. 21.
Harris is to obtain the Chairman’s Award, which is offered to people who excel in public service and use their platform to drive significant change. Previous recipients embrace Amanda Gorman, Samuel L. Jackson, the late U.S. Congressman John Lewis, Ruby Dee, Danny Glover, the Rev. James Lawson, Tyler Perry, then-Senator Barack Obama, and Congresswoman Maxine Waters.
“Vice President Kamala Harris is greater than a frontrunner—she is a power of change, pushed by an unwavering ardour to form a brighter, extra equitable future,” stated Leon W. Russell, chair of the NAACP Nationwide Board of Administrators. “Her legacy is constructed on braveness, compassion, and a profound dedication to uplifting those that want it most.”
Vice President Harris made historical past as the primary girl, Black American, and South Asian American U.S. Vice President. All through her profession, she has been a champion for reproductive rights, gun security, voting rights, and financial alternative.
Underneath the Biden-Harris administration, she performed a key position in file job development and solid tie-breaking votes to decrease prescription drug prices and safe historic local weather and infrastructure investments. In 2024, she turned the primary Black and South Asian girl nominated for president by a serious political social gathering, garnering over 75 million votes within the shortest normal election marketing campaign in fashionable historical past.
Earlier than her tenure as vice chairman, Harris served as a U.S. senator and California legal professional normal, specializing in housing reduction, healthcare entry, and felony justice reform. Impressed by her activist dad and mom, she has remained dedicated to justice, equality, and uplifting the following technology.
Scott Mills, president and CEO of BET Media Group, known as Harris “deeply deserving” of the award, citing her historic accomplishments and lifelong dedication to justice.
NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson stated: “Vice President Harris embodies the facility, grace, and unyielding braveness that Black girls have lengthy delivered to the guts of the USA.”
District of Columbia native Dave Chappelle will obtain the President’s Award.
“The President’s Award honors an unwavering dedication to neighborhood, and all through his distinguished profession, Dave Chappelle has constantly been acknowledged as a robust voice of social consciousness,” stated Johnson. “Via his distinctive potential to remodel advanced political points into thought-provoking humor, Dave has solidified his place as some of the impactful voices of our time. His work sparks conversations that compel folks to look at their very own beliefs, proving that in an age the place open dialogue is more and more uncommon, comedy may be each a robust truth-teller and a driver of progress.”
Along with Chappelle, the Wayans household may also be celebrated for his or her large contributions to comedy, receiving an induction into the NAACP Picture Awards Corridor of Fame.
“For many years, the Wayans household has been on the forefront of comedy, breaking boundaries and opening doorways for waves of entertainers,” Johnson defined. “Their trailblazing work in tv, movie, and stand-up has transcended popular culture and cemented their legacy within the NAACP Picture Awards Corridor of Fame. Recognizing their achievements with this induction is a celebration of a multi-generational legacy that continues to advance and uplift communities. The Wayans household has set a regular of excellence, and their affect resonates far past the stage and display screen.”
The 56th NAACP Picture Awards may also spotlight efforts to help communities impacted by latest wildfires in Southern California. BET Media Group, NAACP, JSSK, and WME have partnered with LA County and native organizations to launch the Altadena Neighborhood Preservation Fund, which goals to guard owners from displacement and protect cultural heritage.
Sending like to everybody in Southern California,” the NAACP wrote on Instagram as wildfires devastated elements of the realm. “From psychological well being assets to evacuation suggestions, our pure catastrophe information is designed to assist residents throughout difficult.”
