Kamala Harris, the former Vice President, made a stirring speech at the 56th NAACP Image Awards. This event took place at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in California, where she was honored with the organization’s Chairman’s Award.
Harris acknowledged the challenging times during which the NAACP was established, characterized by a rampant greed, bitterness, and hatred. The founders of NAACP and those who carried its legacy, she remarked, were under no illusions about the obstacles they faced. Despite the challenges, they remained steadfast and resolute. Harris, in her first television appearance since stepping down from her position, encouraged those who feel overburdened by the weight of history and alarmed by the threats to our democracy. She assured them that we have the knowledge and experience to overcome these challenges, as we have done so before and will do so again.
VIP+
Harris emphasized the importance of using our power to organize, mobilize, educate, and advocate. She noted that our power has never stemmed from an easy path. Instead, it flows from our faith in God, faith in each other, and our refusal to succumb to cynicism and destruction. The fight is worth it, not because victory is guaranteed, but because it is necessary.
Popular on Variety
NAACP Image Awards 2025: Full Winners List
The audience gave Harris a standing ovation as she walked on stage and continued to applaud throughout her speech.
Harris concluded her speech by asserting that despite the challenges we face, the American story will not just be written by those in power or the wealthiest. It will be written by us, the people. “Thank you, God bless you, and God bless the United States,” she said.
The Chairman’s Award is a prestigious honor given to individuals who excel in public service and leverage their unique platforms to ignite and drive meaningful change. Harris, who was born in Oakland, served as the California Attorney General and U.S. Senator before making history as the first woman, Black American, and South Asian American to serve as Vice President alongside President Joe Biden. In 2024, she ran a historic campaign as the first Black and South Asian woman to be nominated by a major party for president.
The Chairman’s Award has honored several prominent figures in the past, including 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, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, and former Surgeon General Regina Benjamin.
FAQs:
Q: Who is Kamala Harris?
A: Kamala Harris is an American politician and lawyer who served as the Vice President of the United States from 2021 to 2023. She is the first woman, the first Black woman, and the first Asian woman to hold the vice presidency.
Q: What is the NAACP Image Awards?
A: The NAACP Image Awards is an annual awards ceremony presented by the U.S.-based National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) to honor outstanding performances in film, television, music, and literature.
Q: What is the Chairman’s Award?
A: The Chairman’s Award is a prestigious honor given by the NAACP to individuals who excel in public service and use their unique platforms to ignite and drive meaningful change.
Q: Who are some past recipients of the Chairman’s Award?
A: Past recipients include 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, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, and former Surgeon General Regina Benjamin.
Credit: variety.com
