Today, the NAACP and BET announced that Former Vice President Kamala Harris will be honored with the prestigious Chairman's Award during the “56th NAACP Image Awards” airing live from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on Saturday, February 22, at 8:00 PM ET on BET and CBS. This year, the broadcast will be extended 30 minutes to 2.5 hours.

The Chairman's Award honors individuals who excel in public service and leverage their unique platforms to ignite and drive meaningful change. Past honorees of the Chairman's Award include Amanda Gorman, Samuel L. Jackson, the late U.S. Congressman John Lewis, Ruby Dee, Danny Glover, Rev. James Lawson, Tyler Perry, then-Senator Barack Obama, Congressman Bennie G. Thompson, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, and former Surgeon General Regina Benjamin.

Vice President Kamala Harris made history as the first woman, Black American, and South Asian American U.S. Vice President. She championed reproductive rights, gun safety, voting rights, and economic opportunity while leading job creation and global diplomacy. Under the Biden-Harris administration, she helped achieve record job growth and cast the tie-breaking votes to pass lower prescription drug costs and historic climate and infrastructure investments. In 2024, she became the first Black and South Asian woman nominated for president by a major party, receiving over 75 million votes in the shortest modern general election campaign.

Previously, as U.S. Senator and California Attorney General, she fought for housing relief, healthcare access, and criminal justice reform. Born in Oakland, she was inspired by activist parents and remains committed to justice, equality, and uplifting the next generation of leaders, embodying her mother’s advice: “You may be the first, but make sure you are not the last.”

"Vice President Kamala Harris is more than a leader - she is a force of change, driven by an unwavering passion to shape a brighter, more equitable future. It is with great honor that we present her with the Chairman’s Award at this year’s NAACP Image Awards, celebrating her relentless dedication to justice, equality, and the betterment of our society,” said Leon W. Russell, Chair, NAACP National Board of Directors. “Her legacy is built on courage, compassion, and a profound commitment to uplifting those who need it most. Her tireless advocacy for the most vulnerable among us has made her a beacon of hope and progress."

“Vice President Harris is deeply deserving of the NAACP Chairman’s awards for both her historic accomplishments and her incredible legacy of service to America and our community,”  said Scott Mills, President and CEO of BET Media Group. “It is a privilege to join the NAACP in recognizing Vice President Harris.   Her unwavering commitment to justice, equity, and progress has inspired millions, and her journey is a powerful testament to that which can be achieved through resilience, strength, and brilliance.  

“Vice President Harris embodies the power, grace, and unyielding courage that Black women have long brought to the heart of the United States,” said Derrick Johnson, NAACP President and CEO. “With bold determination, 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 women, uplifting their legacy as the driving force behind change in this country. VP Harris reminds us all that when Black women lead, the entire nation rises.”

BET and the NAACP remain committed to celebrating Black excellence and resilience through the “56th NAACP Image Awards.” Their support extends to 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 to protect homeowners from displacement and preserve the community’s cultural heritage.