Los Angeles – Former Vice President Kamala Harris stepped on the NAACP Image Awards scene on Saturday night with a sober message, called the civil rights organization a pillar in black society and called on people to remain resistant and hold on to their faith during President Donald Trump’s tenure.
“Although we have no illusions about what we are against in this chapter in our American history, this chapter will not simply be written by the one who occupies the oval office or by the richest among us,” Harris said after receiving NAACP President’s Price. “The American story will be written by you. Written by us. Of we the people. “
The 56. Annual Image Awards were held at Pasadena Civic Auditorium in the Los Angeles area.
Harris, who was defeated by Trump in last year’s presidential election, was the first woman and the first color to serve as vice president. She had previously been an American senator from California and the State Attorney General.
In his first major public performance since leaving the office, Harris did not refer to his election loss or Trump’s actions since he entered the Oval Office, though Trump mocked her earlier in the day at the conservative political action conference.
Harris talked about eternal vigilance, the Freedom Award, remains attentive and sought the truth and the future of America.
“Some see the flames on our horizons, the rising waters of our cities, the shadows gather over our democracy and ask” What do we do now? “Harris said. “But we know exactly what to do because we have done it before. And we will do it again. We use our power. We organize, mobilized. We educate. We are in favor of. Our power has never come from having a slight path. “
Other winners of the President’s award have included former President Barack Obama, the deceased rep. John Lewis and the late actor Ruby Dee.
Harris was honored during the ceremony with the Wayans family. The family was introduced to the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame in recognition of groundbreaking contributions to movies, TV, sketch and stand-up comedy that has shaped Hollywood for decades.
Keenen Ivory Wayans, Damon Wayans Sr., Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Kim Wayans and Damon Wayans Jr. was neither recognized.
Marlon Wayans, whose guest performance on Peacock’s “Bel-Air” was ready for a NAACP award, shared how Kenen Ivory Wayans triggered the family’s rise.
“He raised us all as Jedis,” he said. “We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for our big brother.”
Marlon Wayan’s joking that when his brother told their mother he left college for comedy, she said, “Boy, I’ve known you all your life and you’ve never said anything funny. That’s the funniest thing you’ve said. “
The audience broke out of laughter, a suitable tribute to a family that has kept the audience laughing for more than three decades.
The family has a long list of credits. Keenen Ivory Wayans created Sketch Comedy series “In Living Color” in 1990 and directed 2000 Slasher Spoof “Scary Movie”, written by Marlon Wayans and Shawn Wayans, who also wrote and starred in “White Chicks” in 2004. Damon Wayan’s had a starring role in the comedy “Major Payne” in 1995 and currently Co -stars with son Damon Wayans Jr. in CBS -SITCOM “Poppa’s house”, which was nominated for a NAACP price. The couple was also nominated for their acting on the show.
Damon Wayans Jr. has traded in two of the most critically acclaimed comedies in recent years: “Happy Endings” and “New Girl.” Kim Wayans, a comedian, actor and director, also received praise for his work in the drama in 2011 “Pariah.”
Keke Palmer expressed her surprise after her name was called as the winner of this year’s coveted entertainment.
“Oh my gosh. The guys, I didn’t think I would win, “said Palmer, who paid tribute to the nominated nominated Cynthia Erivo’s Oscar-nominated performance in” Wicked. ”
Palms starred in the Buddy comedy “One of them Days”, which debuted # 1 at the ticket office last month. She also won an Emmy for her hosting effort on NBC’s “password”.
“It’s such an amazing category to join all these people,” Palmer said. “It’s a beautiful evening. It’s Black History Month, IALL. It is so important that we all come together here and celebrate each other with each other. ”
Other nominees included Kendrick Lamar, Kevin Hart and Shannon Sharpe.
Image Awards host Deon Cole honored residents of the neighborhood nearby Altadena, which was influenced by January’s devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area.
A video of the four destruction that was played before actor Morris Chestnut took the stage.
“Houses were lost, shops destroyed, countless lives crushed and over two dozens of souls went forever,” said Chestnut, a Los Angeles -Inborn, referring to affected areas such as Altadena, Pacific Palisades and Malibu.
“But what wasn’t lost is the spirit of our community,” said Chestnut, who noticed that 22 residents of Altadena attended the show on Saturday. Many in the audience stood welcoming.
Cole changed tone and loved the mood with a comic prayer for Kanye West’s wife to find more clothes after her button-there Grammys look out and for Shannon Sharpe to finally size up with her t-shirts.
The opening act was a lead for tonight’s first award: Queen Latifah as best actress in a drama series for her role in “The Equalizer.”
Dave Chappelle was honored with the president’s award for his “thoughtful humor.”
Acceptance of the award spoke Chappelle about NAACP’s push against negative depictions of black people in media and the importance of representation.
“Every option we get, we just continue to cut away on this monster of a machine,” he said.
Former recipients of the president’s award include Jay-Z, Lauryn Hill, Usher, Rihanna and John Legend.
