NAACP Image Awards organizers on Thursday revealed the host for this year’s ceremony as well as the recipient of the Founders Award.
BET Media Group will be honored with the Founders Award, presented during Saturday’s ceremony, which will at 8 p.m. ET/PT live on BET and CBS. That award honors individuals and organizations who “took the risk to be the first — and sometimes at all costs — believing and demonstrating that the unattainable is indeed attainable.” BET Media Group was chosen for its “45-year legacy of amplifying Black culture and championing authentic storytelling.”
BET was founded in 1980 by Bob and Shelia Johnson, becoming the first cable network for Black audiences. It has since grown into a multimedia company spanning television, streaming, digital, live events and international markets. BET also made advocacy part of its mission, leading relief efforts through the BET Saving Our Selves platform for Haiti, Hurricane Katrina, and COVID-19 and most recently, supporting the historically Black community in Altadena following the California wildfires with the Altadena Community Preservation Fund in partnership with NAACP, WME & JSSK.
“The Founders Award honors those who dare to dream beyond limits and turn vision into reality. For more than four decades, BET has been an innovator of culture, creating space for our community to see themselves recognized on-screen and inspiring generations to believe that their dreams are within reach,” said Derrick Johnson, NAACP president and CEO. “BET has redefined media by championing bold storytelling, celebrating unforgettable music, and delivering groundbreaking moments that resonate with audiences worldwide. Through their undeniable leadership in the entertainment industry, BET has continuously pushed boundaries and set new standards for others to follow in their path.”
Previous recipients of the Founders Award include Toni Vaz, founder of the NAACP Image Awards, and Garth Brooks.
Additionally, comedian-actor-writer Deon Cole has been tapped to host the 56th edition of the NAACP Image Awards, which will take place at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. Cole’s credits include the starring role in BET+’s dark comedy Average Joe, from McG. His other credits include Netflix’s The Madness; the recent remake of The Color Purple; Black-ish, which earned him three NAACP Image Awards; Grown-ish; and the upcoming BET+ animated series Lil Kev opposite Kevin Hart and Wanda Sykes. He also released a comedy special, Charleen’s Boy, on Netflix in 2022.
“BET is excited to partner once again with the incomparable Deon Cole, whose effortless charm and humor resonate deeply with our audiences,” said Connie Orlando, executive vp specials, music programming and music strategy at BET. “Whether through his standout performances in Average Joe, his films, or his acclaimed stand-up specials, Deon consistently delivers authentic and impactful entertainment. We can’t wait to see him bring his unique perspective and comedic brilliance to the 56th NAACP Image Awards, capturing this powerful cultural moment as only he can.”
Added Johnson: “As a comedian, actor, and cultural icon, Deon Cole has consistently used his talent to entertain, uplift, and inspire. His humor, deep appreciation for the culture, and commitment to our community has cemented him as an entertainment legend. It is truly an honor to have him as the host of this year’s 56th NAACP Image Awards. His presence will guide us through an evening of unforgettable moments as we celebrate the visionaries and trailblazers who continue to define and revolutionize culture.”
Ahead of Saturday’s Image Awards broadcast, which has been extended to 2-1/2 hours this year, the NAACP has been handing out awards in several categories in non-televised ceremonies. See the winners from Night 1 and Night 2. NAACP will also recognize winners in non–televised Image Awards at the 56th Creative Honors on Friday.
BET and the NAACP also will support the Altadena, Pacific Palisades and Pasadena communities affected by the recent wildfires. As part of these efforts, BET Media Group, NAACP, JSSK, and WME have partnered with LA County and in collaboration with local community organizations such as Community Aid Dena, Altadena Heritage and WalkGood LA, to launch the Altadena Community Preservation Fund, aimed at protecting homeowners from displacement and preserving the community’s cultural heritage.
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