Viola Davis delivered a heartfelt message on self-worth and resilience while accepting the NAACP’s Chairman’s Award on Saturday night at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Los Angeles. Speaking on the 57th NAACP Image Awards stage, Davis highlighted how personal growth and collective progress require courage to face uncomfortable truths and challenges.
After receiving the prestigious honor, Davis stated,
“There is no becoming without healing and without a radical acceptance of one’s truth,”
and added,
“We either move forward together or not at all.”
Her remarks underscored the importance of embracing authenticity and solidarity as pathways to advancement.
A Journey From Childhood Hardship to Global Recognition
The acclaimed actress reflected on her early years growing up in poverty in Rhode Island, recalling her simple aspiration to find meaning through success. She said,
“I just wanted to be somebody. I wanted success because I thought it was significance.”
Davis, aged 60, has established herself as a powerhouse performer across film, television, and stage.
Davis’s distinguished career includes award-winning roles in films such as The Help, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, and Doubt. On television, she captivated audiences in the legal drama How to Get Away With Murder. Achieving EGOT status, she joined an elite group of entertainers who have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony. Her Grammy came from narrating the audiobook of her memoir, Finding Me, which complements her two Tony awards, Emmy, and Academy Award for Fences.
Davis described her transformation poignantly, saying,
“No one can describe the journey of going from the little chocolate girl searching for hope, to the girl living a transcendent life.”
Michael B. Jordan Named Entertainer of the Year
The ceremony concluded with Michael B. Jordan earning the Entertainer of the Year award, also winning best actor for his dual roles as twin brothers in the film Sinners. Jordan surpassed contenders including Cynthia Erivo, Doechii, Kendrick Lamar, and Teyana Taylor to capture this distinction. The previous year’s Entertainer of the Year was Keke Palmer.
His acceptance speech was marked by emotion as he paid tribute to his late friend and Black Panther co-star Chadwick Boseman, saying,
“My best friend, Chad … I miss you every day.”
Jordan also expressed gratitude to his family and community, urging those in his hometown of Newark, New Jersey, to pursue their dreams with humility and compassion.
Salt-N-Pepa Joined NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame for Cultural Impact
The iconic female hip-hop group Salt-N-Pepa – Cheryl “Salt” James, Sandra “Pepa” Denton, and DJ Spinderella – were inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame. Recognized for their trailblazing contributions to music and culture, the group helped elevate women’s voices within the rap genre during their rise to prominence in the late 1980s and 1990s.
Known for hits like Push It, Shoop, and Whatta Man, Salt-N-Pepa influenced conversations on self-confidence, relationships, and self-expression. Reflecting on their legacy, DJ Spinderella said,
“We didn’t know we were building a movement, we were just being ourselves.”
Host Deon Cole Uses Humor to Address Social Issues and Event Highlights
Deon Cole, the ceremony’s host, combined sharp political humor with cultural commentary throughout the evening. His monologue tackled topics such as immigration enforcement with a censored joke about ICE and referenced the February incident at the British Academy Film Awards where John Davidson shouted a racial slur during a prerecorded segment featuring Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo.
The audience responded strongly to Cole’s remarks, which included a comedic prayer segment and a direct warning for any guests with Tourette syndrome prone to outbursts. Cole joked,
“If there are any white men out here in the audience with Tourette’s, I advise you to tell them they can read the room tonight.”
Recognition of Excellence and Resilience in the Entertainment Industry
The awards ceremony celebrated achievements in film, television, music, and literature, featuring appearances by notable presenters such as Regina Hall. Hall opened the night by presenting the first award to Miles Caton for outstanding breakthrough performance in a film for Sinners. Before handing over the trophy, Hall praised co-stars Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo for their dignified handling of recent controversies, saying,
“I’d like to just take a moment to the two kings who are in this audience and send you so much love for your class.”
Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler, led the film nominations with 18 nods, underscoring its strong impact.
Colman Domingo Honored for Social Justice Contributions
Colman Domingo received the NAACP’s President’s Award, which honors individuals who leverage their platforms to promote social justice and public service. His recognition placed him among a distinguished list of past recipients including Jay-Z, Lauryn Hill, Usher, Rihanna, and John Legend.
Domingo took a moment to acknowledge the important figures who shaped his life, citing his mother and stepfather. He highlighted the significance of community and purpose by stating, “You don’t get here alone.”
Tribute to Civil Rights Leader Rev. Jesse Jackson
The ceremony paid homage to the late Rev. Jesse Jackson, who passed away on February 17 at age 84. A protégé of Martin Luther King Jr. and a two-time presidential candidate, Jackson’s decades-long activism influenced American politics, culture, and social justice movements.
Samuel L. Jackson delivered a moving tribute to commemorate Jesse Jackson’s legacy. The civil rights leader was renowned for championing voting rights, education, and economic inclusion, while urging political and corporate leaders to broaden opportunities for Black Americans.
His enduring message, “I am somebody,” served as a powerful affirmation of dignity and potential across generations, inspiring countless individuals to embrace self-worth regardless of their circumstances. The tribute received warm applause, reflecting Jackson’s lasting influence on multiple generations of activists and community members.
