NAACP Celebrates Centennial With Live Broadcast of '40TH NAACP IMAGE AWARDS' Thursday, February 12, on FOX

NAACP Celebrates Centennial With Live Broadcast of '40TH NAACP IMAGE AWARDS' Thursday, February 12, on FOX

Nobel Peace Prize Laureates Former Vice President Al Gore and Dr. Wangari Muta Maathai to Receive Chairman's Award

Nominations to be Announced Wednesday, January 7

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- The 40TH NAACP IMAGE AWARDS will broadcast live from Los Angeles' Shrine Auditorium Thursday, Feb. 12 (8:00- 10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. The star-studded broadcast, which coincides with the NAACP's 100th anniversary, is executive-produced by Vicangelo Bulluck and will kick off the organization's year-long centennial celebration.

Nobel Peace Prize Laureates Former Vice President Al Gore and Dr. Wangari Muta Maathai will be awarded the NAACP Chairman's Award during the special. The Chairman's Award, chosen by NAACP Board Chairman Julian Bond, is bestowed in recognition of special achievement and distinguished public service.

"I am very proud to recognize Former Vice President Gore and Dr. Maathai for their substantial efforts in environmental awareness, sustainable development and peace," said Bond. "Their courageous and historic accomplishments have benefited not only current but future generations, and they clearly reflect the values that we have so valiantly fought for over the past century."

"The NAACP has served as a beacon, advancing civil rights for the benefit of all Americans," commented Former Vice President Gore. "I am so honored to be a part of this historic centennial celebration. The IMAGE AWARDS are made all the more special because I am joined by my friend and colleague, Dr. Wangari Maathai."

"I am deeply honored and privileged to share this award with Former Vice President Al Gore, my friend and colleague in environmental work," stated Dr. Maathai. "I am especially honored to be receiving this award from the NAACP, an organization that has been working tirelessly for the dignity and humanity of ethnic minorities, focusing especially on social and economic equality. The election of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States of America is a testament to your mission. As I receive this award, I congratulate and thank you for your vision and commitment to the cause of human dignity."

"The NAACP marks a historic milestone on February 12, 2009," added IMAGE AWARDS chair Clayola Brown. "For 100 years to the day, the NAACP has fought to ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality of all citizens. The 40TH NAACP IMAGE AWARDS and subsequent events will provide important looks back and ahead at the organization, and will recognize the extraordinary talents and accomplishments of the many supporters who have worked to advance our cause."

Additional festivities planned for the NAACP's centennial year include televised specials highlighting the most influential films, music and people from 1909-2009, a commemorative music CD and a photo book.

Founded on February 12, 1909, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization. Its half-million adult and youth members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, and monitor equal opportunity in the public and private sectors. For more information on the NAACP Image Awards, please visit http://www.naacpimageawards.net/.

Source: NAACP Hollywood Bureau

CONTACT: Alexandra Lippin of The Lippin Group, +1-323-965-1990, ext 343,
alippin@lippingroup.com, for NAACP Hollywood Bureau

Web site: http://www.naacpimageawards.net/

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