Former Vice President Kamala Harris will be honored with the prestigious Chairman’s Award at the 56th NAACP Image Awards, the NAACP and BET announced Monday. The award, which recognizes individuals who excel in public service and use their platform to drive meaningful change, will be presented during the live broadcast on Saturday, Feb. 22, at 8 p.m. PT on BET and CBS.
The annual awards ceremony, held at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, will be extended to 2.5 hours this year, highlighting Black excellence across entertainment, social justice, and public service.
Vice President Harris, who made history as the first woman, Black American, and South Asian American U.S. Vice President, has been a champion for reproductive rights, gun safety, voting rights, and economic opportunity. Throughout her tenure in the Biden-Harris administration, she played a key role in job creation, global diplomacy, and policy achievements, including record job growth, lower prescription drug costs, and historic climate and infrastructure investments.
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Harris also made history again in 2024 when she became the first Black and South Asian woman nominated for president by a major party, garnering over 75 million votes in a historic, fast-moving general election campaign.
Born in Oakland, California, Harris was inspired by her activist parents to pursue a life dedicated to justice. As a U.S. Senator and California Attorney General, she fought for housing relief, healthcare access, and criminal justice reform. Her leadership remains deeply rooted in her mother’s guiding words: “You may be the first, but make sure you are not the last.”
NAACP National Board Chair Leon W. Russell described Harris as a leader driven by an “unwavering passion to shape a brighter, more equitable future.”
“Vice President Kamala Harris is more than a leader—she is a force of change. Her legacy is built on courage, compassion, and a profound commitment to uplifting those who need it most,” said Russell.
BET Media Group President and CEO Scott Mills echoed that sentiment, emphasizing Harris’ lasting impact:
“Vice President Harris is deeply deserving of the NAACP Chairman’s Award for both her historic accomplishments and her incredible legacy of service to America and our community. Her unwavering commitment to justice, equity, and progress has inspired millions.”
NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson further praised Harris’ leadership, particularly as a Black woman in politics.
“Vice President Harris embodies the power, grace, and unyielding courage that Black women have long brought to the heart of the United States. She reminds us all that when Black women lead, the entire nation rises.”
The NAACP Image Awards have long been recognized as one of the most distinguished multicultural awards shows, celebrating achievements across film, television, music, literature, and activism. Past Chairman’s Award recipients include Amanda Gorman, Samuel L. Jackson, the late Congressman John Lewis, Tyler Perry, and then-Senator Barack Obama.
This year’s event also highlights the NAACP and BET’s commitment to social impact, with a focus on wildfire recovery efforts in Altadena, Pacific Palisades, and Pasadena. The Altadena Community Preservation Fund, launched in partnership with LA County and local organizations, aims to prevent displacement and preserve cultural heritage in affected communities.
Winners of the NAACP Image Awards will be revealed during the live telecast on February 22, with additional non-televised categories announced virtually on February 18 and 19 via YouTube.com/NAACPImageAwards. The Creative Honors event will take place on February 21.
The NAACP Image Awards consistently attract the biggest names in Hollywood, with past attendees and winners including Angela Bassett, Beyoncé, Viola Davis, Issa Rae, Zendaya, and Dwayne Wade.
This year’s ceremony is supported by sponsors including Wells Fargo, Google, P&G, Airbnb, Bank of America, Amazon, Coca-Cola, and FedEx, alongside partners such as L’Oréal, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, and Variety Magazine.
For updates and exclusive content, follow @NAACPImageAwards on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.