Dave Chappelle will receive the NAACP President’s Award at the 56th NAACP Image Awards ceremony on Feb. 22. The Image Awards will air live from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium at 8:00 PM ET/PT on BET and CBS.
“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,” said NAACP president and CEO Derrick Johnson in a statement announcing the news. “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.”
Dave Chappelle is an award-winning American comedian, actor, screenwriter, and producer who stands as one of the most influential entertainers of his generation. Internationally recognized for his trademark wit, fearless social commentary, and no-holds-barred approach, he deliberately steps over society’s red lines and builds his sharpest material from the other side. His groundbreaking achievements include creating the best-selling TV show in DVD history with ‘Chappelle’s Show,’ winning multiple Emmy and Grammy awards for his stand-up specials, and setting records with his unprecedented runs at Radio City Music Hall.
Born into a family of educators in Washington, D.C., Chappelle began his comedy career at age 14. After early success in film and television, he created the groundbreaking “Chappelle’s Show” (2003-2006). In a move that shocked the industry, he walked away from a $50 million deal at the height of the show’s success, a decision later viewed as a principled stand for creative integrity.
His recent accomplishments include five Primetime Emmy Awards, six Grammy Awards, and six acclaimed Netflix specials. He received the Kennedy Center’s Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in October 2019 and the 2025 NAACP President’s Award. Through it all, Chappelle has maintained his distinctive voice and unflinching approach to comedy, proving that success can come without compromise. His continued residence in Yellow Springs, Ohio, far from the entertainment industry’s centers of power, reflects the independence that has defined his career.
