Kamala Harris Honored with Chairman’s Prize at NAACP Image Awards: A Celebration of Excellence

LOS ANGELES — Former Vice President Kamala Harris took the stage at the NAACP Image Awards with a powerful message. She praised the civil rights organization as a cornerstone of the Black community. Her call for resilience reminded everyone to stay hopeful during these challenging times under President Donald Trump.

After receiving the NAACP’s Chairman’s Award, Harris said, “While we have no illusions about what we are up against, this chapter will be written by we the people.” She emphasized that the American story is shaped by ordinary citizens, not just those in power.

Harris made her first significant public appearance since leaving office at the 56th annual Image Awards, held at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. Although she lost the presidential election to Trump, she focused on hope and the future instead of dwelling on past political battles.

In her speech, she addressed the importance of staying vigilant and fighting for liberty. She quoted, “Some see the flames on our horizons and ask, ‘What do we do now?’ But we know exactly what to do. We organize, mobilize, educate, and advocate.”

The night celebrated not only Harris but also the Wayans family, recognized for their lasting impact on entertainment. Keenen Ivory Wayans, Damon Wayans Sr., Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Kim Wayans, and Damon Wayans Jr. were honored for their significant contributions to comedy and film.

Marlon Wayans humorously acknowledged Keenen’s influence, saying, “He raised us all like Jedis. We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for our big brother.” His joke about their mother laughing at Keenen’s decision to leave college for comedy showed the warmth and humor of the family.

The Wayans family has left a mark on Hollywood over the years, from creating the sketch show “In Living Color” to starring in hit movies like “Scary Movie.” Damon Wayans Jr. has gained acclaim in recent comedies, while Kim Wayans has also made her mark in film and television.

This year’s entertainment of the year award went to Keke Palmer, who expressed surprise and gratitude while highlighting the importance of the night. “It’s Black History Month, y’all. It’s crucial to celebrate one another,” she said. Palmer recently starred in a successful film and won an Emmy, showcasing her talent in various entertainment fields.

Among the nominees were big names like Kendrick Lamar and Kevin Hart, adding to the competition of the evening. Host Deon Cole also took a moment to honor Altadena residents impacted by recent wildfires, reminding everyone of the community’s strength.

The evening featured a mix of humor and recognition. Queen Latifah won best actress for her role in “The Equalizer,” and Dave Chappelle received the President’s Award for his impactful comedy. Chappelle emphasized the importance of fighting against negative stereotypes in media and the need for authentic representation.

As past recipients of the President’s Award include notable figures like Jay-Z and Rihanna, this year’s honors reflected the ongoing significance of representation and collective strength in the entertainment industry.