“I won a lot of awards recently, but this one tonight is probably the most special award I’ve ever gotten because it’s from this institution that represents these people, us people of color, Black people.”
That’s how comedian and actor Dave Chappelle began his acceptance speech upon becoming the first comedian to receive the President’s Award at the 56th NAACP Image Awards on Saturday (Feb. 22). Then gliding back and forth between being serious and, of course, humorous, he delivered insightful and compelling comments while delivering a call to arms to the entertainment industry that drew strong applause amid a standing ovation.
Chappelle continued his speech by introducing his “god brother Ben Jealous,” a former president of the NAACP. “I asked him, ‘What do you think I should say tonight?,” said Chappelle. “And Ben sent me a whole speech [to audience laughter]. But what was important? He said in 1915 the movie Birth of a Nation came out and had a hideous depiction of African Americans. And by 1927 the NAACP had opened its first office here in Hollywood. And from then, 100 years ago to this very night, they have been chipping away at this industry so that people like me can stand up in front of people and tell my story or our stories. Each and every artist in here, every opportunity we get, every time we’re on camera, on stage, we just keep chipping away at this monster of a machine. But tonight, man, I feel invigorated because all my Netflix checks cleared [more audience laughter].
“I don’t owe anybody any work right now,” Chappelle continued in part. “So every time you see me, just know I’m only up there because I want to be right up there. I hope all of us who work in this industry feel strong and inspired and not discouraged, especially because this is a very difficult time right now, and your institution is, sadly, more relevant than it’s been in a long time. We got a lot of work to do, but it feels good to know that we’re not in it alone, that we got each other. And remember community is everything. Shout out to everybody who lost their home or was displaced from their home … Don’t ever be afraid to lean on each other. My father told me a phrase that got me all the way to where I am today. He said, “Whenever you mess up or you feel like you can’t get up, remember these words because they’re magic words. And I said, ‘What’s the words, dad?’ And he said, ‘Whoops’ [audience laughter] ’ Let’s keep it moving, y’all, let’s keep it moving.”
After thanking the NAACP and the audience before heading off stage, Chappelle also paid tribute to veteran film and TV director/ producer Stan Lathan, who was in the audience. Lathan’s lengthy list of credits includes Chappelle’s stand-up comedy shows such as Killin’ Them Softly, Equanamity and Sticks and Stones as well as Sesame Street, Sanford & Son and Def Comedy Jam.
Prefacing the award presentation was an introduction from NAACP president/CEO Derrick Johnson who said in part, “We’re honoring him with the NAACP President’s Award, an award that isn’t just about recognizing legends in their field but about celebrating their impact on culture. For decades, Dave has made us laugh like no one else can, and let’s be real. We need that now more than ever. Countless others have recognized him for his genius in comedy, but we’re honoring him for his fearless social commentary, for making us think, for pushing boundaries and for the way his comedy has challenged the status quo and resonated with people of every background.”
Johnson’s comments were followed by a video segment featuring various clips from Chappelle’s career onstage and in television and film as well as his philanthropic work including his support of The Duke Ellington School of the Arts and the Flint water crisis. Among the industry colleagues and friends participating in the video was fellow comedian and actor Eddie Murphy who said, “Dave is maybe the most intellectual comedian ever.”
Chappelle is a six-time Grammy Award winner for best comedy album, most recently in February for The Dreamer. His accolades also include five Primetime Emmy Awards: three for his Netflix comedy specials Sticks & Stones and Equanimity & The Bird Revelation and two for hosting Saturday Night Live in 2017 and 2021. Chappelle is also the 2019 recipient of the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.
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