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weekend the NAACP Board of Directors Chairman Leon Russell presented former Vice President Kamala Harris with the Chairman’s Award, given to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional public service. Previous awardees include President Barack Obama, the late Rep. John Lewis, and poet Amanda Gorman.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris stepped on the NAACP Image Awards stage Saturday night with a sobering message, calling the civil rights organization a pillar of the Black community and urging people to stay resilient and hold onto their faith. “While we have no illusions about what we are up against in this chapter in our American story, this chapter will be written not simply by whoever occupies the oval office nor by the wealthiest among us,” Harris said after receiving the NAACP’s Chairman’s Award. “The American story will be written by you. Written by us. By we the people.”
In her acceptance speech, Harris expressed how much she was inspired by the work of the NAACP and founder W.E.B Du Bois and encouraged the crowd to maintain a sense of urgency during these uncertain times. “Some look at this moment and rightly feel the weight of history,” said former Vice President Harris. “Some see the flames on our horizons, the rising waters in our cities, the shadows gathering over our democracy and ask: what do we do now? But we know exactly what to do, because we have done it before, and we will do it again.” She went on to say: “Our power has never come from having an easy path. Our strength flows from our faith.”
The former vice president, who received an enthusiastic show of support as she accepted the Chairman’s Award, said, “This chapter will not be written simply by whoever occupies the Oval Office nor by the wealthiest among us. The American story will be written by you, written by us, by we the people.”
“Against impossible odds, she gave America a campaign that was a force of nature,” Russell said of Harris’ 2024 presidential bid, which saw her ascend to the top of the Democratic ticket in late July after President Joe Biden ended his re-election effort. “No one else could’ve accomplished what she did, and no one else is more deserving of our gratitude.”
The 56th NAACP Image Awards was a showcase of Black excellence, resilience, and joy at a time when we need it most. It was a night of powerful moments — of honoring our past, celebrating our present, and inspiring our future. If you missed the Saturday show, you can still experience it.
Other highlights of the evening included:
A Tribute to the Eaton Fire Survivors — Morris Chestnut stood alongside 22 survivors of the Eaton Fire, honoring the families who lost everything. “Altadena is more than a neighborhood. It’s a legacy,” he said. Ledisi, backed by Adam Blackstone and the BBE All-Star Band, delivered a moving tribute, reminding us that in times of loss, our community stands together.
The Wayans Family inducted into the Hall of Fame — For over three decades, the Wayans have shaped Black comedy. Damon, Marlon, Kim, and other members of the family took the stage to honor their roots and their brother Keenen Ivory Wayans, who they credit with leading the way. “He saw the future before the rest of us did,” Marlon reflected.
Dave Chappelle receives the President’s Award — With his signature mix of humor and truth, Chappelle reminded us of the moment we’re in. “Your institution [NAACP] is sadly more relevant than it’s been in a long time,” he said. “Community is everything.”
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