Kamala Harris Delivers Powerful Message at NAACP Image Awards
The 56th annual NAACP Image Awards took place on Saturday night at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Los Angeles, marking a celebration of Black excellence and resilience. The event was headlined by a poignant speech from former Vice President Kamala Harris, who was honored with the Chairman’s Award. In her first major public appearance since leaving office, Harris emphasized the importance of community strength and resilience, urging attendees to remain vigilant and hold onto their faith during challenging times. “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. “The American story will be written by you. Written by us. By we the people.”
Harris, who made history as the first woman and first person of color to serve as vice president, did not directly address her election loss or President Donald Trump’s recent actions. Instead, she focused on themes of eternal vigilance, seeking truth, and the power of collective action. “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?’” Harris said. “But we know exactly what to do, because we have done it before. And we will do it again. We use our power. We organize, mobilize. We educate. We advocate. Our power has never come from having an easy path.”
Honoring Black Excellence: The Wayans Family and Other Awardees
In addition to Harris, the ceremony honored the Wayans family for their groundbreaking contributions to film, television, and comedy. Keenen Ivory Wayans, Damon Wayans Sr., Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Kim Wayans, and Damon Wayans Jr. were recognized for their impactful work, which has shaped Hollywood and inspired generations of comedians and creators. Their credits include the iconic sketch comedy series In Living Color, the slasher spoof Scary Movie, and the CBS sitcom Poppa’s House, among many others. The family’s legacy was celebrated as a testament to their innovative spirit and enduring influence on the entertainment industry.
Other notable honorees included Dave Chappelle, who received the NAACP President’s Award for his “thought-provoking humor.” Chappelle became the first comedian to be awarded this honor, joining a list of past recipients such as Jay-Z, Lauryn Hill, and Rihanna. Additionally, the late music legend Quincy Jones was celebrated during the ceremony, with a special performance by Grammy winner Ledisi alongside the Adam Blackstone Band. These recognitions underscored the NAACP’s commitment to celebrating Black talent and cultural impact.
Entertainment and Community Spirit Shine at the Ceremony
The event began on a somber note, with host Deon Cole acknowledging the recent wildfires that devastated communities in Los Angeles, including Altadena, Pacific Palisades, and Malibu. A video montage highlighted the destruction caused by the fires, which claimed 22 lives and displaced many residents. Actor Morris Chestnut, a Los Angeles native, paid tribute to the affected areas, noting that while homes and businesses were lost, the spirit of the community remained unbroken. “Homes were lost, stores destroyed, countless lives shattered, and over two dozen souls gone forever,” Chestnut said. “But what was not lost is the spirit of our community.”
The ceremony also included lighthearted moments, as Cole shifted the tone with a comedic prayer for Kanye West’s wife to find more clothes after her revealing Grammys look and for Shannon Sharpe to finally size up his T-shirts. The evening’s first award was presented to Queen Latifah, who won Best Actress in a Drama Series for her role in The Equalizer. These moments of levity and celebration highlighted the balance between honoring the seriousness of the times and embracing the joy of Black culture.
A Night of Celebration and Reflection
The NAACP Image Awards concluded with a sense of hope and unity, as attendees reflected on the challenges and triumphs of the Black community. Harris’s speech served as a rallying cry, encouraging resilience and collective action in the face of adversity. The ceremony also celebrated the contributions of trailblazers like the Wayans family and honored the legacy of icons like Quincy Jones. By blending somber reflections with joyful celebrations, the event reaffirmed the NAACP’s mission to uplift and empower Black voices.
As the night drew to a close, the audience was reminded of the enduring power of community and the importance of holding onto faith and hope, even in difficult times. The 56th annual NAACP Image Awards was not just a celebration of achievement but a call to action, urging everyone to continue writing the American story with courage, resilience, and unity.
