Harris Calls for Resilience Amid Trump Presidency
Former Vice President Kamala Harris took the stage at the NAACP Image Awards with a powerful message, urging resilience and unity in the face of challenges under President Donald Trump’s administration. Speaking after receiving the NAACP’s Chairman’s Award, Harris emphasized the role of the people in shaping America’s future, rather than those in power or the wealthiest individuals.
“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. “The American story will be written by you. Written by us. By we the people.”
This marked Harris’ first major public appearance since leaving office after her election loss to Trump. While she refrained from directly addressing the defeat or Trump’s actions, she focused on themes of vigilance, truth-seeking, and mobilization.
NAACP Honors the Wayans Family
The Wayans family was inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame for their groundbreaking contributions to film, television, and comedy. Keenen Ivory Wayans, Damon Wayans Sr., Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Kim Wayans, and Damon Wayans Jr. were all recognized for shaping Hollywood through their work in sketch comedy, stand-up, and film.
Marlon Wayans reflected on their journey, crediting Keenen Ivory Wayans for guiding them. “He raised us all like Jedis,” he joked, recalling how their mother initially doubted his comedy aspirations.
The family’s impressive credits include the hit 1990s sketch comedy show In Living Color, the cult-classic Scary Movie, White Chicks, Major Payne, and CBS’s Poppa’s House, which stars Damon Wayans and Damon Wayans Jr.
Keke Palmer Wins Entertainer of the Year
Keke Palmer was visibly surprised as she won the prestigious Entertainer of the Year award. “Oh my gosh. Guys, I didn’t think I was going to win,” she admitted, praising fellow nominee Cynthia Erivo’s performance in Wicked.
Palmer’s career has been on a meteoric rise, with her recent buddy comedy One of Them Days debuting at No. 1 at the box office and her Emmy-winning work as a host on NBC’s Password. Other nominees included Kendrick Lamar, Kevin Hart, and Shannon Sharpe.
Tribute to Wildfire Victims in Los Angeles
Host Deon Cole took a moment to honor residents of Altadena affected by the devastating January wildfires in the Los Angeles area. A video tribute played before actor Morris Chestnut took the stage to acknowledge the losses suffered by the community.
“But what was not lost is the spirit of our community,” Chestnut said, recognizing 22 Altadena residents in attendance. The audience gave a standing ovation in support.
Cole lightened the mood afterward with comedic prayers for Kanye West’s wife to find more clothing after her controversial Grammys outfit and for Shannon Sharpe to finally wear properly sized T-shirts.
Dave Chappelle Receives President’s Award
Dave Chappelle was honored with the President’s Award for his influential and thought-provoking comedy. In his acceptance speech, he reflected on the importance of representation and the NAACP’s efforts to challenge negative portrayals of Black people in media.
“Every opportunity we get, we just keep chipping away at this monster of a machine,” Chappelle said.
Previous recipients of the prestigious award include Jay-Z, Lauryn Hill, Usher, Rihanna, and John Legend.
Queen Latifah Wins Best Actress in a Drama Series
The night kicked off with Queen Latifah winning Best Actress in a Drama Series for her role in The Equalizer, setting the tone for an evening that celebrated Black excellence in entertainment, activism, and community resilience.
