Dave Chapelle has been tapped to receive the NAACP Image Awards’ most prestigious honor this year.
The Emmy and Grammy Award winner will be recognized with the President’s Award for his “thought-provoking humor” during the civil rights organization’s 56th event later this month.
As Deadline reports, the honor will be bestowed February 22 during the Image Awards ceremony at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium airing on CBS and BET.
The President’s Award honors an unwavering dedication to community, and throughout his distinguished career, Dave Chappelle has consistently been recognized as a powerful voice of social consciousness,” NAACP president and CEO Derrick Johnson said Tuesday.
“Through his unique ability to transform complex political issues into thought-provoking humor, Dave has solidified his place as one of the most impactful voices of our time. His work sparks conversations that compel people to examine their own beliefs, proving that in an age where open dialogue is increasingly rare, comedy can be both a powerful truth-teller and a driver of progress.”
The Washington, D.C. native began his comedy career at age 14. The groundbreaking success of “Chappelle’s Show” (2003-2006) elevated his artistry to the masses. He notably walked away from a $50 million deal at the height of the show’s success.
He has also delivered six Netflix specials which have received acclaim but his jokes in particular about the transgender community in “The Closer” and “The Dreamer” sparked controversy.
Past recipients of the President’s Award include Muhammad Ali, Jay-Z, Spike Lee, Jesse Jackson, Colin Powell, Condoleezza Rice, Jay-Z, Rihanna, LeBron James, Usher, Kerry Washington, Lauryn Hill and Gabrielle Union-Wade and Dwyane Wade.