Former Vice President Kamala Harris made her first television appearance since leaving office on February 22, 2025, at the 56th NAACP Image Awards ceremony in Pasadena, California, where she received the prestigious Chairman’s Award.
The ceremony, which featured numerous celebrities including Kerry Washington, Academy Award nominees Zoe Saldaña and Cynthia Erivo, Gabrielle Union, and Marlon Wayans, provided Harris with a platform to address the current political climate in America.
In her powerful acceptance speech, Harris reflected on the NAACP’s historical significance. He drew parallels between the organization’s founding in the early 20th century and the present day, as America navigates the beginning of Donald Trump’s second presidency.
She addressed the audience about the country’s challenges without directly mentioning Trump or his administration by name.
However, Harris spoke of “shadows gathering over our democracy” and the enduring fight against “greed, bitterness, and hatred,” themes that resonated with concerns about the current administration’s direction. These comments referenced President Trump’s leadership and Elon Musk’s significant role in government affairs.
In her powerful address, Harris acknowledged the gravity of our current situation while offering hope. She recognized that many are feeling “the weight of history” as they observe the environmental and democratic challenges we face – specifically mentioning “flames on our horizons” and “rising waters in our cities” as well as “shadows gathering over our democracy.”
Rather than dwelling solely on these challenges, Harris pivoted to a message of determination and historical resilience, stating emphatically: “We know exactly what to do because we have done it before, and we will do it again.” This statement frames current difficulties as obstacles that can be overcome through collective action, just as America has confronted and surmounted challenges in the past.
The former Vice President emphasized the importance of collective action and faith in the face of adversity. She spoke about the power of organization and advocacy, drawing inspiration from the NAACP’s legacy of resilience and determination.
Harris stated that power is exercised through organizing, mobilizing, educating, and advocating. She emphasized that true power has never emerged from taking an easy path. According to Harris, strength is rooted in faith—faith in God and one another and the unwavering refusal to succumb to cynicism and destruction. She explained that these efforts are made not because they are easy or because victory is assured but because the fight is necessary and worth pursuing.
Harris’ remarks resonated with the audience, who enthusiastically responded throughout her address. Before concluding her speech to a standing ovation, she delivered a final message of hope and civic engagement.
“While we have no illusions about what we are up against in this chapter of our American story, this chapter will be written not simply by whoever occupies the Oval Office, nor by the wealthiest among us. The American story will be written by you, written by us—by we the people,” Harris stated.
The Chairman’s Award is presented to individuals who demonstrate excellence in public service and utilize their unique platforms to inspire and drive significant, meaningful change.
Harris joins a distinguished list of previous recipients, including President Barack Obama, Representatives John Lewis and Maxine Waters, actors Samuel L. Jackson and Forest Whitaker, and poet Amanda Gorman.
Throughout her career, Harris has been a trailblazer in American politics. She served as California’s Attorney General from 2011 to 2017 before becoming a U.S. Senator from California from 2017 to 2021. In 2021, she made history as the first woman, Black American, and Asian American to serve as Vice President of the United States.
Harris’ historic journey continued in 2024 when she became the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee after President Joe Biden withdrew his reelection bid and endorsed her on July 21, 2024. She selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate. She focused her campaign on issues including abortion rights, cannabis legalization, civil rights, climate change, the economy, gun control, healthcare, housing, and immigration.
Despite raising over $1 billion in the first three months of her campaign—setting a new record—Harris was defeated by President Donald Trump in the general election. Trump’s victory came despite two assassination attempts, two presidential impeachments, a criminal conviction, and numerous other criminal charges.
The NAACP Image Awards ceremony also honored other notable individuals. The Wayans family was inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame for pioneering contributions to film, television, sketch, and stand-up comedy. Additionally, comedian Dave Chappelle received the President’s Award, and the ceremony recognized residents of the nearby Altadena neighborhood who suffered from the recent wildfires in the LA area.
Harris’ appearance at the NAACP Image Awards marks her return to the public eye since leaving office on January 20, 2025. As she considers her options for the future, including a potential run for president again in 2028, her message of resilience and collective action continues to resonate with her supporters.
