Former Vice President Kamala Harris will be honored with the prestigious Chairman’s Award at the 56th NAACP Image Awards, recognizing her lifelong dedication to justice, equality, and public service.
The NAACP and BET announced today that Harris will receive the award during the live broadcast on February 22, 2025, from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. The ceremony, airing on BET and CBS, will be an extended 2.5-hour special celebrating Black excellence.
The Chairman’s Award is presented to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to public service while using their platforms to drive meaningful change. Past recipients include iconic figures such as Amanda Gorman, Samuel L. Jackson, the late U.S. Congressman John Lewis, Ruby Dee, Danny Glover, Rev. James Lawson, Tyler Perry, then-Senator Barack Obama, Congressman Bennie G. Thompson, and Congresswoman Maxine Waters.
Harris made history as the first woman, Black American, and South Asian American U.S. Vice President. Throughout her career, she has championed reproductive rights, gun safety, voting rights, and economic opportunity, while also leading initiatives on job creation and global diplomacy. As part of the Biden-Harris administration, she played a role in record job growth and cast the tie-breaking votes to pass historic climate, infrastructure, and healthcare legislation. In 2024, she became the first Black and South Asian woman nominated for president by a major party, securing over 75 million votes in a historic election campaign.
Before her time as vice president, Harris served as a U.S. Senator and California Attorney General, where she fought for housing relief, healthcare access, and criminal justice reform. Born in Oakland, California, she was inspired by her activist parents and remains committed to ensuring that she is “not the last” to break barriers.
NAACP leaders praised Harris’s leadership and contributions to public service.
“Vice President Kamala Harris is more than a leader—she is a force of change, driven by an unwavering passion to shape a brighter, more equitable future,” said Leon W. Russell, Chair of the NAACP National Board of Directors. “Her legacy is built on courage, compassion, and a profound commitment to uplifting those who need it most. Her tireless advocacy for the most vulnerable among us has made her a beacon of hope and progress.”
Scott Mills, President and CEO of BET Media Group, echoed the sentiment:
“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, and her journey is a powerful testament to that which can be achieved through resilience, strength, and brilliance.”
NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson highlighted Harris’s role in uplifting Black women and marginalized communities, saying:
“Vice President Harris embodies the power, grace, and unyielding courage that Black women have long brought to the heart of the United States. With bold determination, she fights for justice, amplifies the voices of the marginalized, and stands as a beacon of hope. VP Harris reminds us all that when Black women lead, the entire nation rises.”
BET and the NAACP continue to champion Black excellence and resilience through the NAACP Image Awards, while also supporting communities affected by the recent wildfires in Altadena, Pacific Palisades, and Pasadena. As part of these efforts, BET Media Group, the NAACP, JSSK, and WME have launched the Altadena Community Preservation Fund to protect homeowners from displacement and preserve cultural heritage.
The 56th NAACP Image Awards will air live on Saturday, February 22, at 8 PM ET/PT on BET and CBS. Additional winners in non-televised categories will be announced on February 18 and 19 via the NAACP Image Awards YouTube channel, with the Creative Honors ceremony taking place on February 21.
As one of the most distinguished multicultural awards shows, the NAACP Image Awards continues to highlight artists, activists, and leaders committed to equality, justice, and positive change. Past attendees and winners include Ava DuVernay, Gabrielle Union, Dwayne Wade, Colman Domingo, Keke Palmer, Taraji P. Henson, Usher, Tyler Perry, Angela Bassett, Michelle Buteau, Viola Davis, Beyoncé, Quinta Brunson, Issa Rae, and many more.
This year’s ceremony promises to be a powerful night honoring those shaping the future, with Kamala Harris receiving one of the event’s highest honors.
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