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2023 NAACP Image Awards: 3 Speeches That Challenged, Praised, and Empowered

These winners championed Black women and forced our allies to “pull up.”

The 2023 NAACP Image Awards will return for the first time–live– in nearly three years. And in honor of the biggest celebration of Black Hollywood, we’re looking back at some of the most memorable moments from past shows, including unbelievable performances, winning moments, and the speeches that inspired us to change and challenge the social climate. So while our celebration may be nearly two months away, get familiar with some of the speeches that left an impact.

  • Rihanna tells non-Black allies to ‘Pull Up’

    In 2020, singer, businesswoman, and philanthropist Rihanna was honored with the prestigious President’s Award, given to public figures across the industry in recognition of exceptional achievements and distinguished public service. While accepting the esteemed accolade, the Barbadian entertainer opened up about life lessons and unity.

    The “Lift Me Up” singer noted how “we can only fix this world together” before adding, “We can’t do it divided. I cannot emphasize that enough. We can’t let the de-sensitivity seep in..” The Clara Lionel Foundation (CLF) founder also called out those truly looking to make a change to “pull up.”

    “How many of us in this room have colleagues and partners and friends from other races, sexes, religions,” the singer asked. “Well then, they want to break bread with you, right? They like you? Well then, this is their problem too. So when we’re marching and protesting and posting about the Michael Brown Jr.s and the Atatiana Jeffersons of the world, tell your friends to pull up.”

  • Lizzo empowers Black women

    2020 was a fantastic year for singer and songwriter Lizzo, who earned several awards for her musical contribution, all while never missing a moment to celebrate Black women. While accepting the “Entertainer of the Year” award during the 2020 NAACP Image Awards ceremony, she praised her community once more, stating, “Since this is the final award of the night, I don’t even want to make it about me.”She continued, “Every last one of you: You are the award. We are so special. We are such beautiful people. This is just a reminder of all the incredible things that we can do.”

  • Denzel Washington praises the younger generation

    Traditionally acceptance speeches serve as a moment to thank everyone for their help in getting the winner their illustrious honor. However, in 2017 when Denzel Washington accepted the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture for his role as Troy Maxon in Fences, the veteran actor used most of his time praising director Barry Jenkins for his Academy Award-winning film Moonlight.

    “I am particularly proud and happy about the young filmmakers, actors, singers, writers, producers that are coming up behind my generation, in particular Barry Jenkins,” Washington shared. “Young people understand, this young man made 10, 15, 20 short films before he got the opportunity to make Moonlight, so never give up. Without commitment, you’ll never start, but more importantly, without consistency, you’ll never finish.”

    Watch the NAACP Image Awards live on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at 8:00 pm ET/PT on BET.

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