The Roc will be in the building at the NAACP Image Awards.
Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter will receive the prestigious President’s Award during the 50th annual ceremony this weekend, it was announced today.
The President’s Award is presented in recognition of a special achievement and distinguished public service. Previous recipients including Lauryn Hill, Muhammad Ali, Jesse Jackson, Colin Powell, and Condoleezza Rice, among others.
NAACP President Derrick Johnson will present the award to JAY-Z during the 50th NAACP Image Awards from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Hosted by Anthony Anderson, the show will air live on TV One on Saturday, March 30, at 9 p.m.
“The President’s Award is an honor we carefully bestow upon an individual, maintaining its significance and commitment to recognizing excellence in service that directly affects our community,” said Johnson. “Shawn Carter has been committed to shedding light on the issues that plague the black community including systematic racism and unjust treatment under the law, utilizing his global platform to create everlasting change. There is no better time than now, as we celebrate our 50th year, to honor him with this award.”
This marks the latest accolade for the multi-faceted mogul, who is the first hip-hop artist to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and has won 22 Grammys throughout his career.
Additionally, JAY-Z, along with Beyoncé, will be presented with the Vanguard Award at the 30th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles tonight. As allies and supporters of the LGBTQ community, the superstar couple will be honored for making a significant difference in promoting acceptance of LGBTQ people.