Usher SAP Arena. Photo: D.roller.saparena/Wikimedia Commons
Usher was honored with the President’s Award at the 55th NAACP Image Awards ceremony on Saturday, in Los Angeles. The President’s Award is given to celebrities and other notable individuals “in recognition of special achievement and distinguished public service.”
NAACP president and CEO Derrick Johnson presented Usher with the award for his contributions to the community through his New Look Foundation. The 45-year-old expressed his gratitude, saying, “I’m so overwhelmed with appreciation for my entire family, without them I wouldn’t be able to do this.”
“They say behind or beside or with every strong man is a stronger woman, and for that I thank my mother and my beautiful wife Jennifer for holding me down. My kids, I love you guys so, so much,” he said, per People.
He follows in the footsteps of former President’s Award winners including Rihanna, Dwyane Wade, Gabrielle Union, Meghan Markle, and Prince Harry.
In a statement issued before the celebration, NAACP president and CEO Johnson, who handed the award to the artist, revealed why Usher had been selected.
He said, “We are honored to present this year’s President’s Award to Usher for his unparalleled talent and remarkable contributions as an artist and advocate for our community.”
“Beyond his vocal talent and stage presence, Usher has empowered thousands of under-resourced youth to pursue their dreams through college readiness programs, financial literacy, and career planning. His dedication to creating positive change in the world has touched countless lives, redefining the boundaries of creativity and compassion.”
BET president and CEO Scott Mills also said of the honoree in a statement, “Usher stands as a distinguished multihyphenate performer, consistently setting new standards for Black Excellence. With a career spanning over three decades, Usher has earned his place as one of the foremost performers of our era and a beacon for social change in our community. It is a profound honor to recognize his extraordinary impact and lasting legacy.”
Before the presentation, Usher won two Image Awards: Outstanding Male Artist and Outstanding Soul/R&B Song for his song “Good Good,” which features Summer Walker and 21 Savage.
During the ceremony, the OMG singer earned the coveted Entertainer of the Year award, beating out Colman Domingo, Fantasia Barrino, Halle Bailey, and Keke Palmer.
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