Kamala Harris Honored with Chairman’s Award at 2025 NAACP Image Awards/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Kamala Harris received the prestigious Chairman’s Award at the 2025 NAACP Image Awards, urging resilience amid political challenges. The Wayans family was inducted into the NAACP Hall of Fame for their lasting contributions to entertainment, while Keke Palmer won Entertainer of the Year. Dave Chappelle received the President’s Award for his impactful comedy and advocacy.
NAACP Image Awards 2025: Quick Looks
- Kamala Harris honored: Receives Chairman’s Award, calls for unity and resilience under Trump administration
- Wayans family inducted: Celebrated for decades of groundbreaking work in comedy and film
- Entertainer of the Year: Keke Palmer wins, expressing surprise and pride in her accomplishments
- Dave Chappelle recognized: Earns President’s Award for his thought-provoking humor and representation efforts
- Community spotlight: Awards ceremony honors LA residents affected by January wildfires
- Queen Latifah wins: Takes best actress for The Equalizer in the evening’s first award
- Morris Chestnut tribute: Highlights community resilience after devastating California fires
- Deon Cole’s humor: Host lightens the mood with laughs while honoring community spirit
Kamala Harris Honored with Chairman’s Award at 2025 NAACP Image Awards
Deep Look
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kamala Harris took the stage at the 56th annual NAACP Image Awards with a message of resilience, urging Americans to hold onto their faith and power during what she called a pivotal moment in the country’s history.
Receiving the prestigious Chairman’s Award at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, the former vice president called the NAACP a cornerstone of the Black community and emphasized that the American story is written by everyday people, not just those in positions of power.
“While we have no illusions about what we are up against in this chapter in our American story, this chapter will be written by you,” Harris told the audience. “Written by us. By we the people.”
A Call for Action and Vigilance
In her first major public appearance since leaving office, Harris did not directly mention her 2024 election loss to President Donald Trump but urged vigilance and continued activism.
“Some see the flames on our horizons… and ask, ‘What do we do now?’” Harris said. “But we know exactly what to do—we organize, we educate, we advocate.”
Past recipients of the Chairman’s Award include Barack Obama, John Lewis, and Ruby Dee, placing Harris among distinguished company.
Wayans Family Celebrated for Comedy Legacy
The evening also honored the Wayans family, inducting them into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame. Known for revolutionizing sketch comedy with In Living Color and box office hits like Scary Movie and White Chicks, the family received a standing ovation.
Marlon Wayans joked about his brother Keenen Ivory Wayans’s early career ambitions. “When Keenen told our mom he was leaving college for comedy, she said, ‘Boy, you ain’t never said nothing funny. That’s the funniest thing you’ve said!’”
Their body of work was credited with breaking boundaries and paving the way for generations of Black entertainers.
Keke Palmer’s Surprising Win
In one of the night’s most heartwarming moments, Keke Palmer won Entertainer of the Year. Visibly shocked, she praised her fellow nominees and celebrated Black History Month.
“Oh my gosh. I didn’t think I was going to win,” Palmer said, referencing Cynthia Erivo’s Wicked performance and her own box office success with One of Them Days.
Dave Chappelle Honored for Advocacy and Humor
Dave Chappelle received the President’s Award, reflecting on the power of comedy to drive change.
“Every opportunity we get, we just keep chipping away at this monster of a machine,” Chappelle said, emphasizing the importance of positive representation for Black communities.
Community Resilience Highlighted
The ceremony paid tribute to residents affected by the devastating January wildfires in Altadena and surrounding areas. Actor Morris Chestnut acknowledged the loss of homes and lives but emphasized the enduring spirit of the community.
“Though homes were lost, what was not lost is the spirit of our community,” Chestnut said as the audience stood in support.
Lighthearted Moments and Memorable Wins
Host Deon Cole balanced the evening’s somber tributes with humor, joking about Kanye West’s fashion choices and Shannon Sharpe’s wardrobe.
Queen Latifah won best actress for her role in The Equalizer, continuing her legacy as a leading figure in entertainment.
Looking Ahead
With Harris’s call to action echoing through the auditorium, the NAACP Image Awards celebrated not just achievements in entertainment but also the power of activism, community, and resilience.
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