We were rooting for everybody Black!
On Saturday, Feb. 22, the star-studded 56th annual NAACP Image Awards ceremony, hosted by actor-comedian Deon Cole, aired live on BET and CBS from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Los Angeles, concluding several days of exciting winner announcements, PEOPLE reports. Among the honorees was Taraji P. Henson, who took home two awards, securing accolades for Supporting Actress in a Limited Series for “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist” and as the author of the children’s book “You Can Be a Good Friend (No Matter What!): A Lil TJ Book.” Samuel L. Jackson, Joy-Ann Reid, Blue Ivy Carter, and Jamie Foxx also received awards for their work.
The night was filled with Black excellence, powerful speeches, and moments that will be talked about for years to come. From groundbreaking wins to emotional tributes, the night celebrated the achievements and contributions of Black artists, activists, and leaders across entertainment, politics, and culture. Here are the top 6 best moments from the unforgettable evening:
Keke Palmer’s Rousing Acceptance Speech
Keke Palmer took home the prestigious Entertainer of the Year award, winning amongst fellow nominees Cynthia Erivo, Kendrick Lamar, Kevin Hart, and Shannon Sharpe. In her acceptance speech, she not only showered flowers on others in the category but also gave a moving speech about not needing the validation of anyone but ourselves!
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Kamala Harris Receives The Prestigious Chairman Award
Given to those who lead the charge in public service and use their platform in service of meaningful change, the former Vice President took the stage in her first major public appearance since leaving office to encourage Americans everywhere in a call to action, AP News reports.
“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,” said Harris.
Dave Chappelle Earns NAACP President’s Award
Comedy legend Dave Chappelle also took home the NAACP President’s Award, presented to those who have made special achievements in their field. Honored for his “thought-provoking humor,” Chappelle spoke on the importance of representation and his gratitude at the NAACP for its longstanding commitment to fighting back against negative portrayals of Black people in media.
The Wayans Family Inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame
The Wayans Family was inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame in a ceremony that felt long overdue. The family was honored for their four decades of contributions to entertainment, Damon Wayans Sr., Marlon Wayans, Kim Wayans, Damon Wayans Jr., Damien Dante Wayans, Craig Wayans, and Chaunté Wayans all appeared on behalf of the family. They spoke of their legacy in comedy and paid tribute to elder brother Keenan Ivory Wayans, who started it all. They also expressed their sincere gratitude for having been able to shape Black Hollywood for decades.
Kerry Washington Wins For Six Triple Eight
Actress Kerry Washington also took home the award for “Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture” for her portrayal of Major Charity Adams in Tyler Perry’s “Six Triple Eight” movie. Washington thanked her family and the real-life heroes of the first all-Black women WWII battalion who the film popularized. The cast also received an award for “Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture.” Washington was so overcome with gratitude that she eventually returned to the stage, thinking she had forgotten to thank Perry, in a moment that was both heartwarming and hilarious.
Morris Chestnut Shows Support For Residents Impacted By LA Wildfires
Morris Chestnut also highlighted support for the Altadena, Pacific Palisades, and Pasadena communities affected by the wildfires that impacted Los Angeles in January at the ceremony, and actor Michael Rainey Jr. took home his first-ever NAACP Image Awards for “Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series.”
To see the complete list of NAACP Image Award winners, click HERE.
Cover photo: 6 Unforgettable Moments of Black Excellence From the 56th NAACP Image Awards/Photo credit: Leon Bennett/Getty Images/NAACP