Former Vice President Kamala Harris will receive the NAACP Chairman’s Award during the 55th Image Awards ceremony in Pasadena this weekend. This historic accolade recognizes her lifelong advocacy for racial justice, gender equality, and systemic reform. Harris, the first woman and person of color to hold the vice presidency, joins icons like Barack Obama and John Lewis in receiving the organization’s highest non-competitive honor.
NAACP National Board Chair Leon W. Russell emphasized Harris’s transformative influence in a statement:
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.
Harris’s journey from California Attorney General to the White House has cemented her status as a civil rights pioneer. Her work on voting rights, criminal justice reform, and economic equality aligns closely with the NAACP’s mission. This award follows her groundbreaking tenure as vice president during one of America’s most politically charged eras.
The Chairman’s Award highlights individuals who redefine leadership in social justice. Past recipients include:
- President Barack Obama (2016)
- Congressman John Lewis (2011, posthumously)
- Actress and activist Ruby Dee (2008)
Presented jointly by the NAACP and BET, Saturday’s ceremony at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium will feature categories spanning entertainment, literature, and social impact. The event underscores the enduring connection between cultural representation and civil rights advancement.
As communities nationwide reflect on Harris’s recognition, advocates note its timing amid ongoing debates about diversity in leadership. The award not only celebrates past achievements but also spotlights the continued fight for equitable representation across American institutions.