Photo Credit: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Viola Davis delivered a powerful and inspiring speech at the 2026 NAACP Image Awards, where she was honored with the prestigious Chairman’s Award on Saturday, Feb. 28. The ceremony took place at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in California and celebrated outstanding achievements across entertainment and culture.
Taking the stage, the 60 year old actress began with humility. “I always feel like I’m going to step into feeling like I deserve it,” she said, reflecting on the honor. Davis then opened up about her childhood, describing herself as a “little chocolate girl with thick lips and wide nose in Rhode Island in 1965” who did not see hope or dreams in her future. She shared that, at the time, she simply wanted to be somebody and believed that success would give her significance.
Davis spoke candidly about the journey from that young girl searching for hope and faith to the woman she is today, living what she called a transcendent life. She described her path as a hero’s journey and emphasized that growth and achievement are rarely accomplished alone. She reminded the audience that there is no single person controlling their destiny and encouraged them to claim ownership of their lives.
The award winning actress, who has achieved EGOT status, also offered words of empowerment that resonated deeply with the crowd. “Our crown
has already been bought and paid for, all we have to do is wear it,” she said, urging listeners to recognize their inherent worth and step confidently into it.
During her remarks, Davis made a point to honor individuals whose contributions often go unnoticed. She praised people working at a food pantry in Central Falls that feeds thousands each month, as well as caregivers supporting her mother, who is living with advanced dementia. Addressing them directly, she said, “You are my hero. I see you. Thank you.”
The NAACP Image Awards, presented by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, celebrate excellence in film, television, theatre, music and literature. Other honorees this year included Colman Domingo, who received the President’s Award, and Salt-N-Pepa and DJ Spinderella, who were inducted into the Hall of Fame. Earlier virtual ceremonies also recognized talents such as Kendrick Lamar, Michelle Obama, SZA and Cardi B.
Taking the stage, the 60 year old actress began with humility. “I always feel like I’m going to step into feeling like I deserve it,” she said, reflecting on the honor. Davis then opened up about her childhood, describing herself as a “little chocolate girl with thick lips and wide nose in Rhode Island in 1965” who did not see hope or dreams in her future. She shared that, at the time, she simply wanted to be somebody and believed that success would give her significance.
Davis spoke candidly about the journey from that young girl searching for hope and faith to the woman she is today, living what she called a transcendent life. She described her path as a hero’s journey and emphasized that growth and achievement are rarely accomplished alone. She reminded the audience that there is no single person controlling their destiny and encouraged them to claim ownership of their lives.
The award winning actress, who has achieved EGOT status, also offered words of empowerment that resonated deeply with the crowd. “Our crown
has already been bought and paid for, all we have to do is wear it,” she said, urging listeners to recognize their inherent worth and step confidently into it.
During her remarks, Davis made a point to honor individuals whose contributions often go unnoticed. She praised people working at a food pantry in Central Falls that feeds thousands each month, as well as caregivers supporting her mother, who is living with advanced dementia. Addressing them directly, she said, “You are my hero. I see you. Thank you.”
The NAACP Image Awards, presented by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, celebrate excellence in film, television, theatre, music and literature. Other honorees this year included Colman Domingo, who received the President’s Award, and Salt-N-Pepa and DJ Spinderella, who were inducted into the Hall of Fame. Earlier virtual ceremonies also recognized talents such as Kendrick Lamar, Michelle Obama, SZA and Cardi B.
