Kamala Harris to Settle for Chairman’s Award at 2025 NAACP Symbol Awards

Former Vice President Kamala Harris will make her first main look since leaving place of job on Jan. 20 to just accept the Chairman’s Award right through the 56th NAACP Symbol Awards on Saturday, Feb. 22. The display will air reside from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, Calif., at 8 p.m. ET/PT on BET and CBS. This yr, the published might be prolonged half-hour to two.5 hours.

The Chairman’s Award honors people who “excel in public provider and leverage their distinctive platforms to ignite and pressure significant alternate.” Previous honorees come with then-Sen. Barack Obama (2005), former VP Al Gore in tandem with Kenyan social, environmental and political activist Wangari Waathati, Trade Secretary Ron Brown, U.S. Legal professional Common Eric Holder, the past due Rep. John Lewis, Rev. James Lawson, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson, Rep. Maxine Waters and previous Surgeon Common Regina Benjamin.

Up to now introduced particular award recipients at this yr’s NAACP Symbol Awards are comic Dave Chappelle (President’s Award) and The Wayans Circle of relatives (NAACP Symbol Awards Corridor of Popularity).

Harris made historical past as the primary lady, Black particular person and South Asian particular person to develop into vice chairman. She prior to now served as U.S. Senator and California Legal professional Common. In 2024, she turned into the primary Black and South Asian lady nominated for president by way of a big birthday celebration, receiving greater than 75 million votes in what BET reminds us was once “the shortest trendy common election marketing campaign.” President Biden was once totally anticipated to be the Democratic nominee till a shaky debate efficiency on June 27 led to many, even in his personal birthday celebration, to name for a brand new nominee. Biden withdrew on July 21. Harris was once voted the birthday celebration’s nominee by way of delegates on Aug. 5, simply 3 months sooner than Election Day.

“Vice President Kamala Harris is greater than a pacesetter – she is a drive of alternate, pushed by way of an unwavering hobby to form a brighter, extra equitable long term,” Leon W. Russell, chair, NAACP nationwide board of administrators mentioned in a remark. “… Her legacy is constructed on braveness, compassion, and a profound dedication to uplifting those that want it maximum. Her tireless advocacy for probably the most inclined amongst us has made her a beacon of hope and growth.”

“Vice President Harris is deeply deserving of the NAACP Chairman’s awards for each her historical accomplishments and her fantastic legacy of provider to The us and our neighborhood,” added Scott Generators, president and CEO of BET Media Crew. “… Her unwavering dedication to justice, fairness and growth has impressed thousands and thousands, and her adventure is an impressive testomony to that which will also be accomplished via resilience, power and brilliance. 

“Vice President Harris embodies the facility, grace and unyielding braveness that Black girls have lengthy dropped at the guts of america,” mentioned Derrick Johnson, NAACP President and CEO. “With daring resolution, Vice President Harris fights for justice, amplifies the voices of the marginalized and stands as a beacon of hope. She embodies the resilience and brilliance of Black girls, uplifting their legacy as the motive force in the back of alternate on this nation. VP Harris reminds us all that once Black girls lead, all the country rises.”

Cynthia Erivo, Keke Palmer, Kendrick Lamar, Kevin Hart and Shannon Sharpe are competing for entertainer of the yr at this yr’s NAACP Symbol Awards. GloRilla gained probably the most nominations within the song/recording classes, with six, adopted by way of Doechii, Lamar and Usher, with 4 nods each and every. RCA Data gained 11 nominations, probably the most amongst report labels.

NAACP will acknowledge winners in non-televised classes just about on Tuesday, Feb. 18, and Wednesday, Feb. 19, on its YouTube channel and on the 56th NAACP Symbol Awards Ingenious Honors Friday, Feb. 21.