NAACP announces special Image Awards recipients

NAACP President and CEO Kweisi Mfume and Chairman Julian Bond added more sparkle to the field of Image Awards nominees by naming the recipients of three special honors.

At this year's 33rd Image Awards, which aired on Fox on March 1, National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice was Mfume's choice for the President's Award, an honor that has been given in previous years to musician Lauryn Hill and former President Bill Clinton. Rice, an expert in Soviet affairs and international relations, is the first woman to serve in her post.

"Dr. Rice's counsel is respected and valued in her field, in her community and in the upper echelons of our political establishment," Mfume said. "More than that, she is living proof that no obstacle is insurmountable, so long as you are resolved to push forward against adversity and realize your dreams."

Bond's choice for the Chairman's Award was Aaron McGruder, creator of the comic strip "The Boondocks," which tackles sometimes controversial issues inside and outside of both urban and suburban Black communities. McGruder, who recently developed an animated version of the strip that has been accepted as a pilot by a major network, joins previous designees Janet Jackson and Harry Belafonte.

"He skewers the powerful from presidents to rap stars," Bond said of McGruder. "At a young age, he has joined a tiny band of social satirists who use the medium of the cartoon to make us wonder and think. The NAACP is honored to salute him."

Mfume and Bond announced their choices during a luncheon in Los Angeles on Jan. 26 for nominees in more than 40 categories encompassing music, film, television and literature.

"The two people selected for the chairman's and president's awards reflect individuals at the pinnacle of their respective fields who have made significant contributions to either the country, their communities or their professions," Mfume said during the luncheon.

A few days after the luncheon, Mfume revealed that the Image Awards, hosted by Chris Tucker, would induct the legendary Little Richard into the NAACP Hall of Fame.

"Like many others who have enjoyed Little Richard's musical genius and creative abilities for some time, I know I speak on behalf of the entire association when I say that we are honored to make this induction," Mfume said in a statement. "Little Richard has distinguished himself as not only an unparalleled musical genius, but also as a unique and innovative performing artist - fusing pure vocal talent with exhilarating showmanship."

The Hall of Fame designation, whose past recipients include Sidney Poitier and Smokey Robinson, is awarded to artists and performers of consistent excellence, creativity and innovation.

Look for full-coverage of the NAACP Image Awards in the May/June issue.

- Frankie J. Petrosino

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