Comic to receive award from NAACP civil rights group

It might come as news to the trans people upset by Dave Chappelle’s material about them – but the comedian is set to win a major award for being a ‘voice of social consciousness’.

The stand-up – who just won his sixth Grammy – is to receive the President’s Award from leading American civil rights group the NAACP, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

Derrick Johnson, the group’s president, said: "The President’s Award honours an unwavering dedication to community, and throughout his distinguished career, Dave Chappelle has consistently been recognised as a powerful voice of social consciousness.

‘Through his unique ability to transform complex political issues into thought-provoking humour, Dave has solidified his place as one of the most impactful voices of our time. 

‘His work sparks conversations that compel people to examine their own beliefs, proving that in an age where open dialogue is increasingly rare, comedy can be both a powerful truth-teller and a driver of progress.’

Past recipients of the President’s Award include Usher, Rihanna, Spike Lee, Muhammad Ali, Jesse Jackson and Jay-Z – as well as Prince Harry and wife Meghan.

The honour will be handed out at a ceremony on February 22  at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in California, airing on CBS and BET.

Published: 12 Feb 2025