By: Ismael AbduSalaam
Sean “Diddy” Combs and pioneer mogul Russell Simmons were
Hip-Hop’s biggest winners at the 2009 NAACP Image Awards.
The taped event was broadcast last night (February 12) from
the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.
Combs picked up Best Actor in a Television Movie honors for
his work in the well-received, 2008 adaption of Lorraine Hansberry’s timeless
play A Raisin in the Sun.
Combining a talented cast of actors in Phylicia Rashad, Sanaa
Lathan, Sean Patrick Thomas, and Audra McDonald, the film brought in an
audience of 12 million for its initial February 2008 airing.
Simmons took home the coveted Vanguard Award, which is given
to those “whose ground breaking work increases understanding and awareness of
racial and social issues.”
Through the non-profit Hip-Hop Summit Action Network,
Simmons utilizes the uniting force of Hip-Hop culture to advocate education,
financial literacy, and social empowerment for young people.
“Russell is deserving of this prestigious award because he
has used the power of Hip-Hop to reach and inspire our nation’s youth,” stated
Clayola Brown, NAACP Image Awards Chairwoman. “Combined with his ongoing
commitment to strengthening relations between ethnic communities and his
generous charitable spirit, Russell was a natural choice to receive the
honor.”
The 40th annual NAACP Awards was hosted by Halle
Berry and Tyler Perry, and also marked the
100th anniversary of the organization.
A full list of winners is available at http://www.naacp.org/news/press/2009-02-13/index.htm