In the midst of the Covid-19 Crisis, the 52nd Annual NAACP Image Awards have been pushed back from its unique Feb. 20, 2021, air date.
In an assertion on Tuesday, the NAACP uncovered that the live BET broadcast of the honors will presently air March 27 at 8 p.m. ET.
“After careful consideration and guidance from health experts and state and local government, we have decided to reschedule the 52nd NAACP Image Awards to March 27, 2021,” the longstanding civil rights organization’s statement read. “As COVID-19 continues to ravage our country, particularly the African-American community, it is our utmost priority to maintain a safe and healthy environment for our staff, production teams, nominees, and all talent involved in this year’s awards ceremony.”
“We look forward to uplifting and celebrating our rich culture and the outstanding achievements of our nominees when it is safe to do so and we appreciate everyone’s understanding during these unprecedented times,” the message concluded.
The awards, which celebrates the outstanding achievements and performances of people of color in the arts and those who promote social justice through their creative work, has been recognized as the nation’s preeminent multicultural awards show – a necessary alternative to many other mainstream award shows which traditionally celebrates works from a white gaze.
Previous attendees and winners have included Oprah Winfrey, Will Smith, Beyoncé, Jamie Fox, Taraji P. Henson, Viola Davis, Anthony Anderson, Angela Bassett, , Rihanna, Jay-Z, Michael B. Jordan and Lizzo.
Nominees, in the categories of television and streaming, music, literature, film and activism, for this year is expected to be announced o Feb. 3.
