PERCEPTION MATTERS: The NAACP Image Awards turn 50

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(HOLLYWOOD) — The Carters, John Legend, Michael B. Jordan and a who’s who list of other stars were all in the building — the Dolby Theater in Hollywood — for the 50th Annual NAACP Image Awards on Saturday night.

I was in the mix of things as the show was hosted for the sixth consecutive year by “black-ish” star Anthony Anderson. The annual affair celebrates the accomplishments of people of color in the fields of television, music, literature and film, and also honors individuals or groups who promote social justice through creative endeavors.

“The 50th Anniversary of the Image Awards represents a major milestone in bringing visibility to the outstanding achievements of African Americans in entertainment, literature, and arts, as well as the NAACP’s ongoing advocacy for equality of opportunity in our society without regard for race,” said NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson.

The big winner of the night was “Black Panther,” which took home eight trophies, including Outstanding Motion Picture, Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture, and Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture.

In the television categories, “black-ish” topped all winners with five awards, including Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series, Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series and Outstanding Comedy Series.

Throughout the evening, one of backdrops was the 2020 presidential election.

U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) received loud rounds of applause every time her name was mentioned. She was given a standing ovation when she took the stage to receive the NAACP Chairman’s Award, which is bestowed in recognition of individuals who “demonstrate exemplary public service and use their distinct platforms to create agents of change.”

The chairwoman of the House Financial Services committee repeatedly, Waters told the audience that she “had the gavel and wasn’t afraid to use it!” She spoke about young voters taking a stance at the polls, her thoughts on getting rid of the Electoral College and President Donald Trump’s presidency.

Presidential contenders U.S. Sen. Cory Booker and U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris also made appearances, with each also emphasizing the importance of voting in the upcoming election.

Additional winners included, radio host and personality Tom Joyner, who was presented with the Vanguard Award, which recognizes an individual whose groundbreaking work increases understanding and awareness of racial and social issues. Known for his tireless support of Historically Black Colleges and Universities the Tom Joyner Foundation has raised over $65 million, supporting 29,000 students.

Singer/songwriter NE-YO was awarded the McDonald’s Inaugural Black & Positively Golden Music Honor for his work to uplift communities through education, empowerment and entrepreneurship.

The star-studded roster of presenters included Amandla Stenberg, Kerry Washington, KiKi Layne, Lena Waithe, Letitia Wright, Thandie Newton, Trevor Noah, Chrissy Metz, Malinda Williams, Mike Colter, Roshon Fegan, Issa Rae, Regina Hall, Sanaa Lathan and Tika Sumpter.

Mid-show, Anderson introduced, Toni Vaz. Vaz, 97, received a standing ovation after it was revealed she was the creator of the NAACP Image Awards.

Vaz moved from New York to Los Angeles in the ’50s to work as an actress and a stuntwoman. She appeared in more than 50 film and TV projects (including movies such as “The Singing Nun” and “Porgy and Bess” and the “Mission: Impossible” and “Tarzan” television series) over the years, often as an extra or performing stunts.

However, she found herself pigeonholed into certain types of roles.

“In those days, the jobs black people got were playing maids, hookers and Aunt Jemimas,” Vaz said. “That upset me.”

She joined the NAACP’s new Hollywood branch, based in Beverly Hills, and came up with idea of creating an event that would elevate the image of black artists working in Hollywood.

Said Vaz: “We can play attorneys and doctors. So I thought, why don’t we change that image?”

The inaugural NAACP Image Awards show was held Feb. 4, 1967 in the International Ballroom at the Beverly Hilton. (It was skipped in 1973 and 1995) Vaz said she didn’t get the recognition she deserved for creating the star-studded event until 2000, when she received her own Image Award statuette in a special tribute.

The highlight of my night was witnessing The Carters receive their awards.

Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter” was presented with the prestigious President’s Award. He was recognized for his efforts through his Shawn Carter Foundation and serving as co-founder of the REFORM Alliance.

Jay-Z quoted Abraham Lincoln after he accepted his award and dedicated his trophy to his 93-year-old grandmother, Hattie White, saying: “She’s so full of life.” He also paid homage to the women in his life, including his wife, Beyoncé, who smiled while her husband made his speech.

“It’s not the amount of years in your life. It’s the amount of life in your years,” he said. “That quote embodies my beautiful grandmother.”

Beyoncé was honored as Entertainer of the Year. During her acceptance speech, she recognized all of her fellow nominees.

“Regina King, I love you so much. You taught us patience, persistence and how to be masterful in your craft,” she said. “Chadwick Boseman is teaching children to dream and to be seen as kings. LeBron James has taught us the strength of all forms, leading by example and providing education to our kids. Ryan Coogler tells our stories in a way that celebrates our history, and proves that we do have power at the box office.”

She concluded with this: “I’m honored to be included among all of you, and to be a part of a vital and thriving community. Thank you to the NAACP.”

For the second year in a row, the Starz hit series “Power” was named outstanding drama series.

Some of the night’s other big winners included Taraji P. Henson for outstanding actress in a drama series for “Empire” and Ella Mai for album of the Year.

Perception matters and that’s why the NAACP Image Awards has heralded the artistic achievements of people of color for 50 years.