NAACP Honors 2024 Image Award Nominees With Intimate Celebration

Ahead of the live telecast, the NAACP Image Awards celebrated its 2024 nominees with an intimate brunch on Sunday (Feb. 25) at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles.

Hosted by TBS’ Friday Night Vibes co-hosts Nina Parker and Kevin “KevOnStage” Fredericks, the event honored those nominated across 90 categories within music, film, television, social media, and more.

The brunch began with welcome remarks from Derrick Johnson, NAACP President and CEO, and Karen Boykin-Towns, Vice Chair of the NAACP Board of Directors. “For over a century, the NAACP has championed the fight for a society that cherishes our culture and acknowledges the invaluable contributions of the Black community,” said Johnson. “Today, we are honored to stand united in recognizing the transformative power of storytelling. Media shapes our perceptions, so let us embrace the challenge to be louder, to activate change, and to amplify the importance of our community, our culture, and our stories. Together, we matter, and our collective voice reverberates through the halls of history.”

Boykin-Towns added, “In celebrating the NAACP’s 115th birthday, we acknowledge that for nearly half its existence, this organization has recognized the vital contributions of the creative community. Your work matters – it’s a powerful ally to our pursuit of justice and equality. While we fight against false narratives, you craft new stories daily in scripts, songs, and books. Together, our work becomes more accessible and impactful, and we thank you for your commitment to excellence. Congratulations to all, and let’s continue fighting together for a brighter future.”

Over 130 nominees including Carl Anthony Payne II, Garcelle Beauvais, Gia Peppers, Glynn Turman, Jabari Banks, Jalyn Hall, Keith Powers, Lucky Daye and Mara Brock Akil nestled together for an iconic class photo before Pastor Brenda Palmer delivered an invocation and gospel artist Pastor Mike Jr. performed his hit record, “Impossible.”

KevOnStage and Parker led a spirited gospel karaoke competition, where select guests volunteered to perform an array of gospel classics like Kirk Franklin’s “Melodies from Heaven” and “Hosanna,” Hezekiah Walker’s “Clean Inside,” Maurette Brown Clark’s “I Just Want to Praise You,” and Fred Hammond‘s “We’re Blessed.”

The 55th NAACP Image Awards will air on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 8 p.m. ET on BET and CBS from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. Non-televised winners will be announced in the days prior from Mar. 11-14. Check out the full brunch recap below.

More from VIBE.com

• Roy Wood Jr. Confirms Hasan Minhaj Was Set To Be 'Daily Show' Host

• Usher, Ayo Edebiri, Colman Domingo, Victoria Monét Dominate 2024 NAACP Image Award Nominations

• ABFF To Honor Taraji P. Henson, Garrett Morris, Mara Brock Akil, And Jeffrey Wright

Best of VIBE.com

• 10 Rap Albums Snubbed Of The Grammys' Album Of The Year Award

• 21 Black Entertainers Who Are Almost EGOT Winners

• 11 Black-Owned Games To Play At The Next Function Or Kick Back