The Wades are being recognized for their humanitarian efforts!
Retired NBA champion Dwyane Wade and his wife, actress Gabrielle Union-Wade, will receive the President’s Award at the 54th NAACP Image Awards, Essence reports.
For the past few years, the couple has been a great example of using your platform to create change for others. Union-Wade has donated to foundations like Deborah’s Place, Harvest House, and Baltimore Safe Haven while Wade launched Spotlight On, an initiative to combat gun violence, and co-founded Social Change Fund United with fellow NBA friends to empower communities of color. Together, the couple actively uses the Wade Family Foundation to advocate for racial justice and LGBTQ equality, continuously supporting marginalized communities and being the voice of so many Americans who often go unheard.
They will be recognized for their efforts at this year’s NAACP Image Awards by receiving the President’s Award, an award given to recognize “special achievement and distinguished public service.” Past recipients include other philanthropists like Muhammad Ali, Jesse Jackson, Colin Powell, and Condoleezza Rice.
“We’re thrilled to present this award to Gabrielle Union-Wade and Dwyane Wade who together have consistently utilized their platforms to advance social justice and raise awareness of the inequalities existing in our country. We’re proud to recognize the couple’s tireless humanitarian work as they continue to advocate for equality and acceptance for all,” President and CEO of the NAACP Derrick Johnson stated.
Congratulations to the Wades!
Be sure to tune into the 54th NAACP Image Awards on BET tomorrow, February 25th, at 8:00 PM ET!
Photo: Melodie Jeng/Getty Images/ WireImage/