Jackson was introduced with the Chairman’s Award at Saturday's NAACP Picture Awards.
On Saturday, Oscar-nominated actor and producer Samuel L. Jackson was honored with the Chairman’s Award on the 53rd Annual NAACP Picture Awards, introduced by chairman Leon W. Russell.
A longtime activist and advocate, Jackson is a loud supporter of civil rights and an outspoken advocate for Alzheimer’s and most cancers analysis. His basis raises consciousness and cash for numerous charitable causes. Together with his spouse, he created the LaTanya Richardson Jackson and Samuel L. Jackson Performing Arts Middle to rejoice the subsequent era of artists.
“I’ve had the chance to make use of my physique to struggle for issues that had been proper, from civil rights, to the Vietnam Battle, to a variety of different issues that wanted fixing and altering. We acquired it performed. A very powerful factor being the Voting Rights Act,” stated Jackson in his speech. “We will put our legs, our our bodies, and our voices to work to verify individuals do get out and vote… it doesn't matter what they do to maintain us from doing it. And I hope you all will try this. And perhaps sooner or later, somebody will find yourself with one in every of these (awards) since you used your legs, your voice and your physique.”
The Chairman’s honor acknowledges people who've dedicated themselves to acts of public service whereas utilizing their platforms to create efficient change. Former honorees embody Congressman John Lewis, Ruby Dee, Danny Glover, Tyler Perry, Barack Obama, Maxine Waters and Regina Benjamin.
“Many won't know that previous to his performing profession, Jackson was a staunch activist in the course of the Civil Rights Motion within the Nineteen Sixties, even serving as an usher at Martin Luther King Jr.’s funeral,” stated chairman of the NAACP Nationwide Board of Administrators Leon W. Russell in a press assertion. “His continued public service and advocacy for social change make him a wonderful recipient for the Chairman’s Award.”
Jackson has obtained 5 NAACP Picture Awards prior to now — for his roles in A Time To Kill, Coach Carter, Mom and Little one, Django Unchained, and Incredibles 2, together with one other 7 nominations. Moreover, he'll obtain an honorary Oscar this 12 months, and was beforehand nominated for finest supporting actor on the Academy Awards for his position in Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction. Jackson has appeared in over 100 movies over the course of his profession, and has served as producer on acclaimed tasks in each movie and TV.
Take a look at the complete record of NAACP Picture Award Winners right here.