The NAACP’s 51st Image Awards honored Black excellence on February 22.  This year’s awards were focused on empowering the younger generations and encouraging unity to bring forth justice as many of the winners stated when receiving their awards. 

This year the awards were hosted by Anthony Anderson who also doubled as the winner for the best actor in a comedy series. 

One of the notable recipients was Rihanna who was presented with the President’s award by NAACP President and Chief Executive Officer Derrick Johnson which is given to recognize special achievement and distinguished public service. 

“Thank you for celebrating our strength and tenacity,” Rihanna said “We’ve been denied opportunities since the beginning of time. Still, we prevail. so I’m honored. Imagine what we can do together. Thank you for this honor,” Rihanna said while receiving her award. 

The other highest award was given to Congressman and Civil rights leader John Lewis received the Chairman’s award but sadly had to accept it via video call due to him battling stage 4 pancreatic cancer. The Chairman’s award is given to recognize individuals who demonstrate worthy public service and use their distinct platforms to bring forth change.

The entertainer of the year award went to American singer-songwriter Lizzo for her very successful year and Grammy award for best pop solo performance. 

“ Every last one of you, you are the award,” Lizzo said. “We are so special. We are such a beautiful people. This is just a reminder of all the incredible things that we can do. Keep on being an award! ”Lizzo said during her acceptance speech. 

This year’s awards were dominated by comedy series Black-ish and movie Just Mercy. Black-ish received 5 awards which included the best comedy series. 

Just Mercy received four awards which included outstanding motion pictures. The film featured Michael B. Jordan who received outstanding actor in motion picture award and Jamie Foxx who received outstanding supporting actor in a motion picture award. The film has received high praise for its portrayal of justice in America. 

“This film is for the thousands of innocent people in jails and prisons in this country,” American lawyer Brian Stevenson said.

The ceremony featured performances from Jill Scott, H.E.R, and Skip Marley. During the first half of the show Jill Scott performed one of her well-known songs Do you Remember Me. H.E.R and Skip Marley performed their newest song Slowed Down.  

Many of the image award’s nominees and winners are influential individuals to the students of Niles North. Seeing an artist like Lizzo receive an award further encourages the black students of Niles North to continue to strive.