Comedy legend Dave Chappelle will be the recipient of the NAACP President’s Awards at the upcoming Image Awards this year. He will become the first comedian to receive the honor.
Chappelle was chosen for the President’s Award for his “thought-provoking humor.” The oldest civil rights organizations in America will celebrate the 56th event later this month.
In a statement, NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson praised Chappelle for his comedic talents.
“The President’s Award honors an unwavering dedication to community. Throughout his distinguished career, Dave Chappelle has consistently been recognized as a powerful voice of social consciousness,” Johnson said. “Through his unique ability to transform complex political issues into thought-provoking humor, Dave has solidified his place as one of the most impactful voices of our time.”
Johnson also lauded Chappelle for stirring “conversations that compel people to examine their own beliefs” and proving that “comedy can be both a powerful truth-teller and a driver of progress.”
The Emmy and Grammy Award winner is considered one of the greatest comedians of all time. In 2019, he received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2019.
Recently, has been mired in controversy over his Netflix stand-up specials. Many felt that his jokes were transphobic.
Past recipients include Muhammad Ali, LeBron James, Rihanna, Jesse Jackson, Colin Powell, Condoleezza Rice, Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
NAACP and producers of the show are alson partnering with several organizations to support the Altadena, Pacific Palisades, and Pasadena communities affected by the recent Los Angeles wildfires.
The 2025 Image Awards, to be held on Feb. 22 at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, will air at 8 p.m. ET/PT on BET and CBS.
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