African American-focused award shows have been pivotal in recognizing and celebrating Black excellence across various artistic domains. From the pioneering NAACP Image Awards to the vibrant BET Awards, these ceremonies have become crucial platforms for acknowledging outstanding achievements within the Black community.
“No matter what anybody says, I’ve learned to stay true to my voice, stay true to my audience, not chase people’s opinion. I know my audience and who I’m writing for, and staying on that track has brought me to this place,” award-winning filmmaker and arts mogul Tyler Perry told BET leading up to the 2020 NAACP Image Awards.
Black award shows offer a sacred space for African American artists to not only be celebrated by their own, but use the honor to speak candidly to their people.
“We’ve been floating this country on credit for centuries, and we’re done watching and waiting while this invention called whiteness uses and abuses us, burying Black people out of sight and out of mind while extracting our culture, our dollars, our entertainment like oil – black gold,” actor Jesse Williams of “Grey’s Anatomy” told a BET Awards crowd in June 2016 when accepting the “Humanitarian Award.” “Ghettoizing and demeaning our creations then stealing them, gentrifying our genius and then trying us on like costumes before discarding our bodies like rinds of strange fruit.”
Audiences are left with memorable moments with Black award shows and honors. The one-time Motown 25th anniversary television program is when Michael Jackson first mystified audiences with the moonwalk. The 2003 BET Awards Jackson joined James Brown on stage, with the King of Pop honoring the King of Soul, in a legendary performance.
Below are some of the Black award shows that have offered a stage to honor, celebrate and empower African American artists.
The NAACP Image Awards, inaugurated in 1967, remain committed to honoring exceptional performances in film, television, theater, music, and literature by Black individuals. Although the awards ceremony gained a primetime television spot in 1996, it wasn’t until 2007 that network or cable television broadcast the show live.
The Soul Train Awards emerged in 1987, thanks to the vision of Don Cornelius, founder of the iconic music showcase program “Soul Train.” The show focused on recognizing top Black performers in the entertainment and music industries and has stood the test of time, celebrating over thirty years of excellence, and still shining a spotlight on Black entertainers.
In 1991, The Source magazine stepped into the arena by initiating awards on the set of the show Yo! MTV Raps. What started as an informal recognition of achievements in the rap industry, The Source Awards eventually evolved into a full-fledged production by 1994, albeit with a relatively short run until 2004. The endeavor aimed to honor those contributing to a genre fighting for respect and recognition.
The BET Awards, launched by the Black Entertainment Television Network in 2001, marked another milestone in celebrating the achievements of Black individuals in entertainment. With performances by music artists, the BET Awards have continued for over two decades.
The Black Reel Awards, hosted by the Foundation for the Augmentation of African Americans in Film (FAAAF), took its first steps in 2000 in Washington, D.C. Recognizing excellence within the African diaspora in the global film industry, the awards initially had online presentations before transitioning to live shows in 2002. As the oldest cinema-exclusive awards ceremony for African Americans, the Black Reel Awards have maintained prestige, with category winners receiving the coveted Black Reel statuette.
Annually, TheGrio Awards recognize icons, leaders, and legends whose influence has impacted the Black community and culture. The awards showcase excellence in various fields such as film, music, comedy, television, sports, philanthropy, business, fashion, social and environmental justice, education, and cultural innovation. This event pays homage to history makers, change agents, and artists who shape and inspire Black culture.
This year, hosts Touré and Liana Brackett will guide viewers through the star-studded arrivals of A-list celebrities, providing insights into the significance of the celebration.
“TheGrio Awards Red Carpet Show” is set to premiere on Saturday, Feb. 3, at 7 p.m. with additional airings Feb. 9 through Feb. 11, all at 8 p.m.
Following the glitz of the red carpet, Touré hosts “TheGrio Awards Honorees,” a captivating recap. This program will showcase highlights from the TheGrio Awards, featuring esteemed honorees such as Dwayne Johnson, Al Sharpton, Steve Harvey, Tamron Hall, Misty Copeland, and the legendary Smokey Robinson. Touré and Grio founder and CEO Byron Allen will dissect memorable acceptance speeches and dynamic performances.
The show is scheduled to premiere on Saturday, Feb. 3, at 10 p.m., with subsequent airings on Feb. 9- Feb. 11 all at 11 p.m.