Dave Chappelle Honors His Legacy with the President’s Award at NAACP Image Awards: “There’s Still Much to Be Done

Dave Chappelle stood backstage at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 22, 2025, holding his Image Award from the 56th NAACP Image Awards. The comedian and actors acceptance speech was both heartfelt and humorous as he reflected on winning this particular accolade.

I won a lot of awards recently, Chappelle began, but this one tonight is probably the most special award Ive ever gotten because its from an institution that represents these peopleus people of color, Black people. This statement resonated deeply with the audience and set the tone for his remarks.

Chappelle then transitioned into a humorous yet poignant call to action for the entertainment industry. Each and every artist in here, every opportunity we get, every time were on camera or stage, he said, we just keep chipping away at this monster of an industry. His words were met with standing ovation.

During his speech, Chappelle introduced Ben Jealous, a former president of the NAACP. He recounted how in 1915, Birth of a Nation depicted African Americans hideously, but by 1927, the NAACP had opened its first office in Hollywood. From then on, he continued, for over 100 years, they have been chipping away to allow us to stand and tell our stories. This historical perspective underscored his gratitude for his award.

I dont owe anybody any work right now, Chappelle stated with a chuckle. So every time you see me up there, know its because I want to be. He emphasized the importance of not feeling discouraged during these challenging times and highlighted the significance of community support: Remember, whenever you mess up or feel like giving up, just remember my dads wordsWhoopsbecause theyre magic, he said with laughter.

Before leaving stage, Chappelle paid tribute to veteran director Stan Lathan, who was in attendance. Known for his work on shows such as Sesame Street and Sanford & Son, among others, Lathan has had a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. Lathans legacy is intertwined with mine, said Chappelle.

The NAACP president/CEO Derrick Johnson introduced Chappelle by praising him not only for his comedic genius but also for his fearless social commentary and ability to challenge societal norms. The presentation was followed by a video segment showcasing clips from Chappelle’s career, including moments of laughter and reflection on pivotal issues such as the Flint water crisis.

In conclusion, Dave Chappelles acceptance speech at the 56th NAACP Image Awards highlighted not just individual achievements but also collective responsibility within the entertainment industry to challenge biases and promote inclusivity. His message was a call for inspiration and unity in an ever-evolving society.