By Edelia J. Carthan, Ed.D.,
Editor,
A monumental announcement emerged today from the NAACP and BET. The illustrious Grammy-nominated New Edition is set to be inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame at the 55th installment of the ceremony. This prestigious accolade is traditionally awarded to trailblazers whose influence profoundly shapes their respective fields.
The group will be joining an esteemed roster of past inductees, including luminaries like Eddie Murphy, Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin.
In a parallel honor, the esteemed R&B artist Frankie Beverly is slated to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the NAACP Image Awards dinner scheduled for March 14 in Los Angeles.
This award is a testament to individuals who have made remarkable contributions to both civil and human rights and the entertainment industry.
NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson expressed immense pride in recognizing these iconic artists. “Celebrating the likes of New Edition and Frankie Beverly is more than an honor. It’s a recognition of their timeless talent and the profound impact they’ve had in weaving the rich tapestry of our cultural narrative. Their music is not just entertainment; it’s a resonant celebration of Black excellence,” Johnson said.
Connie Orlando, EVP of Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET, also shared her excitement about the upcoming honors. “The legacy of New Edition and Frankie Beverly is indelible. They have been the architects of the modern R&B sound, influencing generations with their art. Our network’s history, notably with ‘The New Edition Story’ and honoring Frankie Beverly at the 2012 BET Awards, is intertwined with their extraordinary journeys,” Orlando remarked.
For over four decades, New Edition has enchanted audiences, selling over 30 million records worldwide. The group’s members, including Bobby Brown, Johnny Gill, Ralph Tresvant and Bell Biv DeVoe, have carved out successful solo careers. They further elevated their legacy with the 2017 biopic “The New Edition Story,” a massive hit on BET.
Frankie Beverly’s journey from his early days with Maze to his solo career has been marked by a string of hits like “Golden Time of Day” and “Before I Let Go.” His music has become a cornerstone of Black culture, transcending time and place. “Frankie’s voice and songs are not just heard; they are felt. They evoke a sense of community, joy and enduring hope,” commented an industry expert.
The “55th NAACP Image Awards” promise to be a star-studded celebration, backed by partners including Wells Fargo, Google and Bank of America. The event, scheduled for live airing, Saturday, March 16, 2024, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on BET and CBS, is a much-anticipated fixture in the entertainment calendar.
Renowned for honoring Black excellence, the NAACP Image Awards annually attract a constellation of stars from Hollywood and beyond, reaffirming the NAACP’s commitment to social justice and equality.
For further details and updates on the “55th NAACP Image Awards,” be sure to follow the event’s official Instagram handle @NAACPImageAwards.
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