Queen Latifah (Courtesy photo)

The 55th NAACP Image Awards gears up for an electrifying night of celebration and recognition, set to air live on Saturday, March 16, at 8 p.m., on BET and CBS.   Oscar®-nominated film actress, producer, record label president, author, and entrepreneur Queen Latifah returns to host the live event.

The NAACP Image Awards, known for its celebration of Black excellence in the arts, will honor exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions to their fields. Among this year’s honorees is Amanda Gorman, the acclaimed writer and activist who captured hearts with her stirring poem at the 2021 presidential inauguration. Gorman will receive the Chairman’s Award, recognizing her outstanding public service and impactful advocacy.

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In addition to Gorman’s recognition, the Vanguard Award will be presented to June Ambrose, the renowned costume designer and tastemaker known for her iconic contributions to fashion and entertainment.

Amanda Gorman (Courtesy photo)

“We are thrilled to collaborate with groundbreaking megastar Queen Latifah and are elated to welcome her again as this year’s host! We also look forward to honoring changemaker and poet Amanda Gorman and fashion icon June Ambrose for their tremendous impact on culture,” said Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET.

The NAACP President and CEO, Derrick Johnson, highlighted the significance of the Image Awards, stating, “The NAACP Image Awards is an important celebration for our community and industry every year. We get the opportunity to highlight the major accomplishments of artists, writers, entertainers, activists and other change makers that push Black excellence forward in a powerful way.”

Amanda Gorman’s influence extends far beyond her poetic brilliance. As a committed advocate for social justice and literacy, Gorman continues to inspire a new generation of leaders. Her dedication to positive change earned her the prestigious role of Global Changemaker for Estee Lauder.

June Ambrose (Courtesy photo)

Recognized for her groundbreaking contributions to fashion and entertainment, June Ambrose will be honored with the Vanguard Award. Ambrose’s career, spanning over two decades, has left an indelible mark on the industry, reshaping the visual landscape of pop culture.

The “55th NAACP Image Awards” promises to be an unforgettable evening, celebrating excellence, creativity, and ingenuity within the Black community. Tune in on March 16 to witness these remarkable talents take center stage.

For more information and updates, follow NAACP Image Awards on Instagram @NAACPImageAwards.