Kamala Harris, who made history as the first woman, Black American, and South Asian American U.S. Vice President is to receive the NAACP’s Chairman’s Award during the civil rights organization’s Image Awards ceremony this weekend.

Daughter of two immigrants, an Indian mother and a Jamaican father, Harris, who was defeated by Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election had previously been a U.S. senator from California and the state’s attorney general.

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“Vice President Kamala Harris is more than a leader — she is a force of change, driven by an unwavering passion to shape a brighter, more equitable future,” Leon W. Russell, chair of the NAACP’s national board of directors, stated Monday. “It is with great honor that we present her with the Chairman’s Award at this year’s NAACP Image Awards, celebrating her relentless dedication to justice, equality, and the betterment of our society,”

“Her legacy is built on courage, compassion, and a profound commitment to uplifting those who need it most. Her tireless advocacy for the most vulnerable among us has made her a beacon of hope and progress,” he added.

Other winners of the Chairman’s prize have included former President Barack Obama, the late Rep. John Lewis and the late actor Ruby Dee.

“Harris made history as the first woman, Black American, and South Asian American U.S. Vice President. She championed reproductive rights, gun safety, voting rights, and economic opportunity while leading job creation and global diplomacy, “ an NAACP press release noted.

“Under the Biden-Harris administration, she helped achieve record job growth and cast the tie-breaking votes to pass lower prescription drug costs and historic climate and infrastructure investments.

“In 2024, she became the first Black and South Asian woman nominated for president by a major party, receiving over 75 million votes in the shortest modern general election campaign. Previously, as U.S. Senator and California Attorney General, she fought for housing relief, healthcare access, and criminal justice reform.

“Born in Oakland, she was inspired by activist parents and remains committed to justice, equality, and uplifting the next generation of leaders, embodying her mother’s advice: ‘You may be the first, but make sure you are not the last,’” the release stated.

Scott Mills, president and CEO of BET Media Group, called Harris “deeply deserving” of the award, citing her historic accomplishments and lifelong dedication to justice.

NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson added, “Vice President Harris embodies the power, grace, and unyielding courage that Black women have long brought to the heart of the United States.”

The 56th Image Awards, co-presented by the NAACP and BET, will take place Feb. 22 at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in California. Categories range from entertainer of the year to best movie to outstanding work of poetry.

The live broadcast on BET and CBS , an annual celebration of Black excellence, has been extended by 30 minutes to run for 2.5 hours.

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The 56th NAACP Image Awards will also highlight efforts to support communities impacted by recent wildfires in Southern California. BET Media Group, NAACP, JSSK, and WME have partnered with LA County and local organizations to launch the Altadena Community Preservation Fund, which aims to protect homeowners from displacement and preserve cultural heritage.

The awards ceremony will announce winners in various categories, with non-televised awards presented virtually on Feb 18 and 19 via the NAACP Image Awards’ YouTube channel. The Creative Honors ceremony will be held on Feb. 21.