Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade to Be Honored at NAACP Image Awards

Dwyane Wade, Gabrielle Union at the Step Up Inspiration Awards, Beverly Hilton, Beverly Hills, CA 05-20-16 — Photo by s_bukley

Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union will receive the President’s Award at the 54th NAACP Image Awards.

The two are being recognized for distinguished public service.

“We’re thrilled to present this award to Gabrielle Union-Wade and Dwyane Wade who together have consistently utilized their platforms to advance social justice and raise awareness to the inequalities existing in our country,” NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson said in a statement Thursday. “We’re proud to recognize the couple’s tireless humanitarian work as they continue to advocate for equality and acceptance for all.”

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The husband and wife are known for their support of organizations providing healthcare for the LGBTQ community.

They’ve also worked to help raise money for the LGBTQ nonprofit GLSEN, to end bullying and discrimination in schools. The Wade Family Foundation provides relief to marginalized communities in need, helping to advance racial justice and LGBTQ equality.

Additionally, Union’s haircare line Flawless formed the Lift As We Climb initiative: a year-round effort that supports emerging Black-owned small businesses, community organizations, thought leaders, and entrepreneurs, and Wade co-founded Social Change Fund United with Chris Paul and Carmelo Anthony to invest in and support organizations focused on empowering communities of color.

The President’s Award will be presented to the actress, producer and author, and the three-time NBA champion and entrepreneur during the televised awards ceremony on Feb. 25.

Previous recipients of the President’s Award include Rihanna, LeBron James, Prince Harry & Meghan Markle, Muhammad Ali, Jesse Jackson, Colin Powell, Condoleezza Rice, Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter, Lauryn Hill and Soledad O’Brien, among others.

The 54th NAACP Image Awards air Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, at 8:00 PM ET on BET and 8:00 PM PT on tape delay.

More details on this year’s ceremony can be found here.