Known for her stirring performance at the presidential inauguration in 2021, Gorman has become a beacon of hope and inspiration. Her inaugural poem, “The Hill We Climb,” debut picture book, Change Sings, and her poetry collection Call Us What We Carry, all debuted at #1 on New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestseller lists. Beyond her poetry, Gorman has embraced her role as a symbol of the next generation's potential, advocating for literacy, education, and civic engagement. As a committed advocate for the environment, racial equity, and gender justice, Gorman’s activism led to her becoming the first Global Changemaker for Estee Lauder. In this position, Gorman created the Writing Change initiative to support grassroots organizations dedicated to advancing literacy as a pathway to equality, access, and social change through young voices. "Amanda Gorman stands as one of the brightest young voices in our nation and has emerged as a formidable force inspiring a new generation of leaders towards transformative change through her advocacy efforts and poetic brilliance," said Leon W. Russell, Chairman of the NAACP National Board of Directors. "With her exceptional talent and unwavering commitment to positive change, Gorman continues to leave an indelible mark on the literary and social landscape, proving that words have the power to shape a better future.”

As one of the most successful male singing groups in R&B, New Edition has entertained audiences for more than 40 years. The group has a cumulative 30 million records sold worldwide. The group has also separately launched the breakout careers of many of the members, including Bobby Brown, Ralph Tresvant, and Bell Biv DeVoe. In 2017, the group added an Executive Producer credit to its resumé when they released the ground-breaking, acclaimed biopic The New Edition Story. Premiering on the BET Networks, the 3-night mini-series was viewed by a record 29 million unique viewers. New Edition’s “The Culture Tour” was named the #1 R&B concert of 2022.

Trailblazing artist and prolific songwriter and vocalist Frankie Beverly has left an indelible mark on the world of music over his illustrious career spanning several decades. From his early days with Maze to his solo endeavors, Beverly's distinctive voice and timeless compositions have garnered widespread acclaim, earning him a special place in the hearts of fans across the globe. Known for timeless hits such as "Golden Time of Day,” "Joy and Pain," and the unofficial theme song for the summer that remains synonymous with Black culture, “Before I Let Go,” Frankie Beverly's influence extends beyond the stage and has made lasting contributions to the cultural landscape.

Usher’s uncommon gifts as an artist and storyteller have inspired audiences around the world, revealed truths about the human condition, and made us all feel more alive. Three decades into his record-breaking, culture-shifting career, the multifaceted superstar continues to carve new pathways in music, fashion, philanthropy, entrepreneurship, and live performance. Now, at the conclusion of a record-setting three-year run on the Las Vegas strip, the musician charts a new course with the release of his much-anticipated ninth album, his first as an independent artist. Beginning in 2021 at Caesar’s Palace, Usher’s first Las Vegas residency grossed a million dollars a night and enticed the public to return to the Strip after pandemic-forced shutdowns. In 2022, the artist launched the elevated My Way Las Vegas Residency. One hundred high-energy shows of immersive, fever-inducing theatricality set a new benchmark for artists, and, night-after-night, showcased the timeless ethos of R&B: hard-driving performance, glamour, sensuality, and velvety, pristine vocals. The run’s success is weighted with history. Usher’s forebears like Sammy Davis, Jr. and Josephine Baker performed on the strip but could not sleep in its hotels. While dazzling audiences, the show also paid homage to those who came before. Usher has sold more than 80 million records worldwide and is one of the best-selling artists in music history. Since his self-titled debut in 1994, when he was just 15, the artist has been widely considered a standard bearer of R&B. His second LP, My Way, established the star as a bonafide hitmaker. Certified seven-times platinum in the United States, the album earned the artist the first of nine career number ones on the Billboard Hot 100. With his third LP, 8701 Usher won his first GRAMMY. His fourth album, Confessions, broke a record for first-week sales and topped the Billboard 200. Certified diamond in 2008, the landmark album is to date the last LP by a Black artist to reach that distinction. It also kicked off a stunning run of four consecutive number one albums. The eight-time GRAMMY winner has pioneered a musically nimble, shape-shifting approach to crafting songs, hopscotching between R&B and soul, dance, electronic, hip-hop, and more, transcending genre and blending them all into a sound that is uniquely his own. The artist’s achievements outside of music have included critically lauded appearances on Broadway, primetime television shows like The Voice, and more than a dozen feature films, including the 2019 blockbuster Hustlers. This year marks Usher’s 25th anniversary as founding chairman of the New Look Foundation. The Atlanta-based 501 c(3) organization has encouraged more than 55,000 teens to “find their spark,” via programming in college readiness, financial literacy, and career planning. A caring mentor known for generosity with his time and advice, Usher has raised millions for various causes and received recognition for his work as a humanitarian and social activist from the Boys & Girls Club of America, the Trumpet Foundations, and Do Something. The NCAAP selected him as its 2010 Ford Freedom Award Scholar, and Morehouse College honored him with the prestigious 2014 Candle Award. In 2023, Usher was awarded an honorary Doctor of Music from Berklee College of Music, an honor shared with Duke Ellington and Roberta Flack. In 2024, Usher’s path-breaking continues. As headliner of Apple Music’s halftime show for Super Bowl LVIII, in none other than Las Vegas, the artist will deliver a thirteen-minute-long celebration of his effervescent, timeless sound. He promises that “R&B performance, R&B connection, R&B spirit” will “take the main stage.” His first new full-length LP in eight years, and his ninth overall, Coming Home, will release. A thrilling meld of traditional R&B s and contemporary production, his first release as an independent artist is infused with the sophisticated bounce of Atlanta, Usher’s hometown, as well as his trademark vulnerability, poignant storytelling, displaying an ever-deepening mastery of his craft.

With an illustrious career spanning decades, Ambrose has created iconic looks for some of the biggest names in music, film, and sports, showcasing her ability to blend innovation with timeless elegance. As an established businesswoman, Ambrose has taken on roles as a costume designer, fashion designer, and creative director. Subsequently, she has expanded her influence in the design sphere by creating collections that embody her diverse aesthetic and commitment to pushing boundaries. Previous honorees include Bethann Hardison and Ruth E. Carter. “As a fashion icon and cultural pioneer, June Ambrose has not only shaped the visual landscape of pop culture but has also elevated the conversation around the importance of diversity and inclusion in the world of fashion and entertainment,” said Karen Boykin-Towns, Vice Chair of the NAACP National Board of Directors, and Chairman of the Image Awards Committee. “Her multifaceted contributions have left an enduring legacy that transcends fashion, paving the way for a more representative and dynamic industry.” Spanning a career of over 25 years, Ambrose has created her own lane in the fashion industry, making her mark as a costume designer and creative director. She is known for costume designing for Hype Williams’ film Belly and styling hip-hop icons like Missy Elliott and Jay-Z. In 2020, Ambrose became the creative director for Puma launching the company’s women's basketball division and released a number of collections over her four-year tenure, including “High Court,” “Keeping Score,” and a Ferrari collection with Puma motorsport – she also brought Puma back to New York Fashion Week with an out of this world show experience in fall 2022.