Former Vice President Kamala Harris, Dave Chappelle and the Wayans family are among the many African American artists, content creators, activists and change-makers to be honored at this year’s NAACP Image Awards on Feb. 22.
An annual celebration of Black excellence, the awards air live from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium at 8:00 p.m. ET on BET and CBS, and the broadcast has been extended by 30 minutes to run for 2.5 hours.
Before the televised event, the awards ceremony will announce winners in various categories, with non-televised awards presented virtually on Feb. 18 and 19 via the NAACP Image Awards YouTube channel. The Creative Honors ceremony will be held on Feb. 21.
Harris is to receive the Chairman’s Award, which is presented to individuals who excel in public service and use their platform to drive meaningful change. Past recipients include 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 more than a leader—she is a force of change, driven by an unwavering passion to shape a brighter, more equitable future,” said Leon W. Russell, chair of the NAACP National Board of Directors. “Her legacy is built on courage, compassion, and a profound commitment to uplifting those who need it most.”
Vice President Harris made history as the first woman, Black American, and South Asian American U.S. Vice President. Throughout her career, she has been a champion for reproductive rights, gun safety, voting rights, and economic opportunity.
Under the Biden-Harris administration, she played a key role in record job growth and cast tie-breaking votes to lower prescription drug costs and secure historic climate and infrastructure investments. In 2024, she became the first Black and South Asian woman nominated for president by a major political party, garnering over 75 million votes in the shortest general election campaign in modern history.
Before her tenure as vice president, Harris served as a U.S. senator and California attorney general, focusing on housing relief, healthcare access, and criminal justice reform. Inspired by her activist parents, she has remained committed to justice, equality, and uplifting the next generation.
Scott Mills, president and CEO of BET Media Group, called Harris “deeply deserving” of the award, citing her historic accomplishments and lifelong dedication to justice.
NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson said: “Vice President Harris embodies the power, grace, and unyielding courage that Black women have long brought to the heart of the United States.”
District of Columbia native Dave Chappelle will receive the President’s Award.
“The President’s Award honors an unwavering dedication to community, and throughout his distinguished career, Dave Chappelle has consistently been recognized as a powerful voice of social consciousness,” said Johnson. “Through his unique ability to transform complex political issues into thought-provoking humor, Dave has solidified his place as one of the most impactful voices of our time. His work sparks conversations that compel people to examine their own beliefs, proving that in an age where open dialogue is increasingly rare, comedy can be both a powerful truth-teller and a driver of progress.”
In addition to Chappelle, the Wayans family will also be celebrated for their tremendous contributions to comedy, receiving an induction into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame.
“For decades, the Wayans family has been at the forefront of comedy, breaking barriers and opening doors for waves of entertainers,” Johnson explained. “Their trailblazing work in television, film, and stand-up has transcended pop culture and cemented their legacy in the NAACP Image Awards Hall 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 family has set a standard of excellence, and their influence resonates far beyond the stage and screen.”
The 56th NAACP Image Awards will also highlight efforts to support communities impacted by recent wildfires in Southern California. BET Media Group, NAACP, JSSK, and WME have partnered with LA County and local organizations to launch the Altadena Community Preservation Fund, which aims to protect homeowners from displacement and preserve cultural heritage.
Sending love to everyone in Southern California,” the NAACP wrote on Instagram as wildfires devastated parts of the area. “From mental health resources to evacuation tips, our natural disaster guide is designed to help residents during challenging.”
