Black excellence took center stage at the 2025 NAACP Image Awards as Hollywood’s biggest stars gathered to celebrate outstanding portrayals of Black stories across all media. The ceremony highlighted powerful speeches, emotional moments, and important reminders about the ongoing fight for representation.
From Keke Palmer’s call to “make your own table” to Kamala Harris offering hope during challenging times, the night was filled with inspiration. Let’s dive into the standout moments that had everyone talking after the awards ceremony wrapped.
Keke Palmer Reminds Us Our Tables Are Worth Sitting At
Entertainer of the Year winner Keke Palmer delivered one of the night’s most memorable speeches. After a brief musical celebration honoring fellow nominee Cynthia Erivo, Palmer took to the podium with gratitude and purpose.
“I just want to say it’s so important that we come here together and celebrate one another with one another,” Palmer told the crowd. “Nobody has uplifted me more than you all, the people in this room.” Her words resonated as she rejected the notion that “white famous” equals success.
Palmer concluded her powerful message by sharing wisdom from award-winning actress Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor: “You don’t always have to ask for a seat at nobody’s table. Just make your own table with your folks.” This declaration of independence and self-determination became an instant highlight of the evening.
Kamala Harris Delivers Message of Hope During Challenging Times
Former Vice President Kamala Harris received the Chairman’s Award and used her platform to inject hope into the current political landscape. Her speech acknowledged the difficulties many Americans face today while offering a path forward.
“Some see the flames on our horizons, the rising waters in our cities, the shadows gathering over our democracy, and ask, ‘What do we do now?'” Harris stated. She continued with reassurance: “But we know exactly what to do, because we have done it before. And we will do it again.”
Harris emphasized collective action as the solution, saying, “We use our power. We organize, we mobilize, we educate and we advocate.” Her message served as a reminder that progress often comes through unified effort and determination.
Dave Chappelle Honors NAACP’s Century-Long Media Fight
Comedian Dave Chappelle received the President’s Award and took a moment to educate the audience about the NAACP’s historical significance in Hollywood. His speech connected present achievements to past struggles for representation.
Chappelle highlighted how the organization formed its first Hollywood office in 1927 in response to harmful stereotypes in films like 1915’s “Birth of a Nation.” He noted that for a century, the NAACP has been “chipping away at this industry” to create opportunities for authentic Black storytelling.
“Each and every artist in here every opportunity we get, every time we’re on camera, on stage we just keep chipping away at this monster of a machine,” Chappelle said. He also paid tribute to his longtime collaborator, director Stan Lathan, who has dedicated his career to telling meaningful Black stories.
Kerry Washington Emphasizes the Power of Black Women’s History
Kerry Washington’s acceptance speech for Outstanding Actress began with a playful nod to Beyoncé before turning to the true inspiration behind her award-winning performance in “Six Triple Eight.”
“I want to most importantly thank the women of the 6888, the 855 women of the 6888, who proved to us how extraordinary Black women are, how extraordinary we have always been,” Washington said. Her tribute honored the often-overlooked Black female battalion who served during World War II.
The actress and producer addressed current attempts to suppress Black history in education, declaring, “At a time when our history is being ripped from us, when people are trying to get us to not tell our stories, we are telling your stories, ladies, because you are calling us forward into our greatness.” Washington concluded with a powerful reminder: “Remember your greatness because that is what the fight is for.”
NAACP Awards Emphasize Organizational Origins and Legacy
This year’s ceremony placed special focus on the NAACP’s founding principles and its ongoing role in shaping Black representation in entertainment. The organization’s century-long commitment to combating negative stereotypes was a recurring theme.
As media economics shift and some protections against systemic exclusion weaken, presenters and winners alike emphasized the growing importance of authentic Black narratives. Many speeches acknowledged the current challenges facing diverse storytelling in Hollywood.
The awards show itself served as a reminder of why the NAACP began its work in entertainment: to ensure that Black Americans could see themselves portrayed with dignity, complexity, and truth across all forms of media. This mission remains as relevant in 2025 as it was a century ago.
