Kamala Harris Shines at NAACP Awards, Wayans Family Makes History!
The 2025 NAACP Image Awards was an unforgettable night full of dazzling performances and heartfelt tributes, serving a stunning showcase of Black excellence. Hosted by the hilarious Deon Cole, the 56th annual celebration took place at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Los Angeles on February 22 and was broadcast live on BET and CBS. It featured heavyweights like Kamala Harris, Kendrick Lamar, Beyoncé, and the legendary Wayans family, who left their mark in multiple ways.
Kamala Harris, the Vice President of the United States, wowed everyone as she accepted The Chairman’s Award, her first major television appearance since the inauguration. In her iconic speech, she rallied the audience to remain hopeful during “uncertain times” and emphasized collective action, saying, “the American story will be written by you, written by us—by we the people.” This award, as noted by The Daily Beast, is given to signify excellence in public service and advocacy, aligning well with Harris’s long-standing commitment to social justice.
Meanwhile, the Wayans family had a major moment when they were inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame. The family, including Marlon, Kim, Damon Sr., and Damon Jr., accepted their honor with heartfelt words that honored family patriarch Keenan Ivory Wayans. Marlon spoke passionately about the inspiration his brother provided, saying, “From that day on, I was like, ‘Wow, not only can you dream, but you can make your dreams come true.’” Their induction is a recognition of their tremendous contributions to comedy and entertainment, spanning decades of laughs and clever storytelling.
So while Kendrick Lamar, Beyoncé, and Chris Brown snagged awards, the entire event served to elevate voices and stories within the Black community. It was a night of celebration and camaraderie, paving the way for future generations to continue the legacy of excellence. Trust us when we say, this year’s NAACP Image Awards delivered this message loud and clear: Black excellence is here to stay and it’s shining brighter than ever!
Sources: Celebrity Storm Wire and The Daily Beast, BET, CBS
