The NAACP Image Awards have been around since 1967, when they first honored Black entertainers and those who supported them. But astoundingly, the idea that artists and those who perform in our culture are crucial to community isn’t new.
The ancient Egyptians held one of the earliest award ceremonies known to human history. Ptah, the god of artisans and craftspeople, was worshipped for his powerful creativity. It was during the celebration of his festival that images received honors.
Ptah was associated with the processes of life and rebirth, both sacred to Egyptian communities. The Pharaoh gifted the best artists small statuettes of Ptah.
The creators behind the images we see on screen constantly reinforce and shape how we see ourselves. The stories told about us fuel our culture. The creator of the NAACP Image Award envisioned the honor as a way to bring together the community and remind us that Hollywood stereotypes are lies.
In ancient Egypt, just like today, award shows celebrated cultural expression. Anytime our work is left out, appropriated, or discounted, we must act to ensure our freedom doesn’t follow. Tell our stories. Celebrate our greatness. And above all, fight for the survival of our voices.