The NAACP and BET have announced legendary acts New Edition and Frankie Beverly will be celebrated at the 2024 NAACP Image Awards.
New Edition will be inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame, which “is bestowed on an individual who is a pioneer in their respective field and whose influence will shape the profession for generations to come.”
The group — consisting of Ralph Tresvant, Bobby Brown, Johnny Gill, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, and Ronnie DeVoe — will join previous inductees Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Little Richard, Earth, Wind and Fire, and others.
Beverly, who is set to retire this year, will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the NAACP Image Awards Dinner on Thursday, March 14, in Los Angeles. The award is presented to “individuals who have made significant contributions to civil and human rights in addition to their contributions in the entertainment industry.”
“It is our distinct honor to celebrate New Edition and Frankie Beverly–two musical icons that have been instrumental in shaping our cultural landscape with their remarkable talent and enduring influence,” says NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson. “We recognize the power of their artistry in showcasing the enduring power of Black excellence in the arts.”
Connie Orlando, executive vice president of specials, music programming and music strategy at BET, adds, “New Edition and Frankie Beverly’s influence has laid the foundation for modern R&B, shaping the genre’s sonic landscape and resonance in numerous ways. From the acclaimed The New Edition Story on BET to our commemoration of Frankie Beverly at the 2012 BET Awards, we are thrilled to celebrate these musical luminaries, whose melodies are intricately woven into the very fabric of our culture.”
The 55th NAACP Image Awards, hosted by Queen Latifah, will air live Saturday, March 16, at 8 p.m. ET on BET and CBS.
