Keenen Ivory Wayans, Damon Wayans Sr., Kim Wayans, Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans and Damon Wayans Jr. will be inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame later this month.
The hilariously talented family will join past inductees like New Edition, Eddie Murphy, Oprah Winfrey, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Spike Lee, Earth Wind and Fire and more. The Hall of Fame Award is given to “pioneers in their respective fields and whose influence continues to shape their industry for generations.”
The NAACP Image Awards is the annual awards ceremony presented by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and honors outstanding performances in film, television, theatre, music, and literature.
“For decades, the Wayans family has been at the forefront of comedy, breaking barriers and opening doors for waves of entertainers,” said Derrick Johnson, NAACP President and CEO. “Their trailblazing work in television, film, and stand-up has transcended pop culture and cemented their legacy in the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame. Recognizing their achievements with this induction is a celebration of a multi-generational legacy that continues to advance and uplift communities. The Wayans family has set a standard of excellence, and their influence resonates far beyond the stage and screen.”
Together the family members created and starred in popular classics like the sketch comedy series “In Living Color,” “The Wayans Bros.,” “My Wife and Kids,” the “Scary Movie” franchise, “Poppa’s House” and many more.
“The Wayans family revolutionized comedy by blending cultural commentary and fearless humor. From In Living Color to blockbuster films, their influence spans generations, breaking barriers for Black entertainers and redefining mainstream comedy,” said Connie Orlando, EVP of Specials, Music Programming and Music Strategy at BET. “Their ability to push boundaries while resonating with diverse audiences has left an undeniable mark on the industry. We look forward to honoring their impact by inducting the Wayans Family into the NAACP Hall of Fame live on BET, while celebrating their legacy in entertainment and culture.”
This year’s awards ceremony will continue to celebrate “Black excellence and resilience.”
That also extends to Altadena, Pacific Palisades, and Pasadena communities affected by the recent wildfires.
“As part of these efforts, BET Media Group, NAACP, JSSK and WME have partnered with LA County and in collaboration with local community organizations such as Community Aid Dena, Altadena Heritage, and WalkGood LA, to launch the Altadena Community Preservation Fund, aimed at protecting homeowners from displacement and preserving the community’s cultural heritage,” a media release stated.
The 56th NAACP Image Awards will air live from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on FeB. 22 at 8:00 p.m. PST on BET and CBS. This year, the broadcast will be extended 30 minutes to about two-and-a-half hours.
The NAACP will also recognize winners in non–televised Image Awards categories virtually on Feb. 18 and Feb. 19 at youtube.com/naacpimageawards and at the 56th NAACP Image Awards Creative Honors on Feb. 21.
