Wayans family to be inducted into NAACP Image Awards’ Hall Of Fame

The NAACP has announced that the legendary Wayans family will be inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame.

The awards ceremony will take place February 22 at the 56th NAACP Image Awards, which will air live on BET and CBS from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium.

Statement from NAACP

“For decades, the Wayans family has been at the forefront of comedy, breaking barriers and opening doors for waves of entertainers,” NAACP president and CEO Derrick Johnson said.

“Their trailblazing work in television, film, and stand-up has transcended pop culture and cemented their legacy in the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame. Recognizing their achievements with this induction is a celebration of a multi-generational legacy that continues to advance and uplift communities. The Wayans family has set a standard of excellence, and their influence resonates far beyond the stage and screen.”

Why the Wayans family is more than deserving of the NAACP honor

Keenen Ivory Wayans was the breakthrough. He created the groundbreaking sketch comedy series In Living Color, launching the careers of his siblings Damon Sr. and Kim as well as the likes of Jamie Foxx, David Grier, Jim Carrey and Jennifer Lopez. He also co-wrote with Robert Townsend and co-starred in Hollywood Shuffle; wrote, directed, and starred in I’m Gonna Git You Sucka; and directed Scary Movie.

Damon’s credits include Saturday Night Live, Major Payne and My Wife and Kids, while Marlon and Shawn co-created and starred in The Wayans Bros as well as the movies Scary Movie, White Chicks, Little Man and Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood.

Damon Jr., the new generation Wayans, has continued the family’s legacy with credits like Poppa’s House, Shrinking, Happy Endings, New Girl and Let’s Be Cops.

Marlon (Bel-Air), Damon Sr. and Damon (Poppa’s House) are nominated for Image Awards this year.

The Hall of Fame Award is presented to individuals or groups who have been pioneers in their respective fields and whose influence continues to shape their industry for generations, says the NAACP. Past inductees include New Edition, Eddie Murphy, Oprah Winfrey, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Spike Lee, and many more icons.

Other honorees

This year’s NAACP Image Awards ceremony will also include Dave Chappelle receiving the NAACP President’s Award.