Kamala Harris joined in on Black excellence celebrated on the 56th NAACP Picture Awards on Feb. 22. The previous Vice President spoke to the viewers in an inspiring speech as Keke Palmer and others took residence main awards.
Upon receiving the Chairman’s Award, Harris inspired viewers to not tackle the present state of the world with despair. In her first televised look because the election, she urged the viewers to look again on the historical past of the NAACP whereas championing hope and dedication.
“This group got here into being at a second when our nation struggled with greed, bitterness and hatred,” she mentioned. “Those that solid the NAACP, those that carried its legacy ahead had no illusions in regards to the forces they have been up towards. No illusions about how stony the street can be,” Harris mentioned on the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Los Angeles.
“However some have a look at this second and rightly really feel the load of historical past,” she mentioned. “Some see the flames on our horizons, the rising waters in our cities, the shadows gathering over our democracy, and ask, ‘What can we do now?’ However we all know precisely what to do, as a result of now we have executed it earlier than, and we’ll do it once more.”
She added, “We arrange, mobilize, educate and advocate. Our energy has by no means come from having a straightforward path. Our energy flows from our religion — religion in God, religion in one another, and our refusal to give up to cynicism and destruction. Not as a result of it’s simple however as a result of it’s mandatory. Not as a result of victory is assured, however as a result of the struggle is value it.”
She continued, “Whereas now we have no illusions about what we’re up towards on this chapter in our American story, this chapter will likely be written not just by whoever occupies the Oval Workplace nor by the wealthiest amongst us. The American story will likely be written by you, written by us, by we the individuals.”
The Chairman’s Award seeks to honor those that “excel in public service and leverage their distinctive platforms to ignite and drive significant change.” Harris continued talking in regards to the Black neighborhood’s capability to prepare and advocate for change, tying within the energy of religion as effectively.
She added, “We use our energy; we arrange, mobilize, we educate and we advocate. As a result of, you see, our energy has by no means come from having a straightforward path. Our energy flows from our religion — religion in God, religion in one another, and our refusal to give up to cynicism and destruction. Not as a result of it’s simple, however as a result of it’s mandatory. Not as a result of victory is assured, however as a result of the struggle is value it.”
Whereas Harris was a spotlight of the night, the NAACP additionally congratulated fellow Black public figures for his or her work throughout a number of media industries. Keke Palmer took residence the Entertainer of the 12 months award, nodding to her fellow nominees and their monumental 12 months.
“I didn’t assume I used to be going to win as a result of [starts singing],” mentioned Palmer earlier than she referenced the well-known riff sung by Cynthia Erivo’s character in “Depraved.” “…Its such an incredible class to be in with all these individuals.”
She added, “It’s so vital that we come right here collectively and have a good time each other with each other. I’ve been on this trade for 20 years, no one has uplifted me greater than you all, the individuals on this room… Whereas we proceed to ask to extra money, ’trigger we’d like that… It’s important that we keep in mind that what we might and what we deem as vital is sufficient.”
As for different winners, the legendary Wayans household grew to become the latest members of the NAACP Picture Awards Corridor of Fame. Netflix’s “The Six Triple Eight,” the Tyler Perry-directed conflict drama movie about an all Black-women’s battalion, additionally took residence the excellent movement image prize.
As for Excellent Actress and Actor, Kerry Washington and Denzel Washington obtained the awards for his or her roles in “The Six Triple Eight” and “Gladiator II,” respectively. Dave Chappelle additionally took residence the President’s Award for his achievement and affect in leisure.
For the full checklist of winners, head to the NAACP Picture Award’s web site.
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