The 56th NAACP Image Awards took place on February 22, 2025, at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, celebrating outstanding achievements in entertainment and activism within the Black community. The event was marked by significant wins for women in various categories and a powerful speech by former Vice President Kamala Harris.
Notable Female Awardees
Kerry Washington received the Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture award for her role in “The Six Triple Eight,” a historical drama that also secured the Outstanding Motion Picture honor.
In the music category, Beyoncé was honored as the Outstanding Female Artist, adding another accolade to her illustrious career.
Kamala Harris’s Inspiring Address
Former Vice President Kamala Harris was presented with the prestigious Chairman’s Award in recognition of her historic contributions. In her acceptance speech, Harris expressed gratitude, stating, “As a proud lifetime member of the NAACP, I thank everyone for your tireless advocacy.” She reflected on her upbringing and the influence of the NAACP, noting, “I grew up inspired by the work of the NAACP, inspired by all those who took up the fight for justice, for equality, and for opportunity.” Harris emphasized the urgency of continued activism, quoting W.E.B. Du Bois: “The cost of liberty is less than the price of repression.”
This event marked Harris’s first major public appearance since leaving office, during which she addressed current challenges to democracy and encouraged collective action to safeguard it.
The 2025 NAACP Image Awards not only celebrated artistic and cultural achievements but also served as a platform for powerful messages on social justice and community engagement.
