Vice President Kamala Harris delivered an impassioned address at the 56th NAACP Image Awards in Pasadena, accepting the prestigious Chairman’s Award while emphasizing collective resilience. “The American story will be written by you,” she declared, drawing applause for her critique of political division. The ceremony honored trailblazers like the Wayans family and addressed recent wildfires impacting Los Angeles communities.
Harris, the first woman and person of color to hold the vice presidency, focused on civic responsibility rather than her 2024 election loss. “We organize, mobilize, and advocate – our power has never come from an easy path,” she stated in a speech echoing past recipients Barack Obama and John Lewis. The event also spotlighted Altadena wildfire survivors, with host Morris Chestnut praising their unbroken spirit.
“While we have no illusions about our challenges, this chapter isn’t defined by presidents or billionaires – it’s defined by we the people.”
Comedy royalty the Wayans family received recognition for shaping entertainment through projects like:
- ‘In Living Color’ (1990)
- ‘Scary Movie’ (2000)
- ‘Happy Endings’ (2011)
Other highlights included Queen Latifah’s Best Actress win for The Equalizer and Dave Chappelle becoming the first comedian to receive the President’s Award. With performances honoring Quincy Jones and viral Grammy references, the NAACP cemented its role as a cultural cornerstone amid national tensions.