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Memorable Moments from the NAACP Image Awards

The NAACP Image Awards is the nation's premier multi-cultural awards show celebrating the outstanding achievements and performances of people of color.
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Executive Director of the Hollywood Bureau of the NAACP

Executive Director of the Hollywood Bureau of the NAACP
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The NAACP Image Awards is the nation's premier multi-cultural awards show celebrating the outstanding achievements and performances of people of color in the arts (television, recording, literature, motion picture and writing & directing), as well as those individuals or groups who promote social justice through their creative endeavors. From Ray Charles to Michael Jackson to Oprah Winfrey, the Image Awards have honored some of the greatest and most accomplished African Americans in entertainment.

Here are some memorable moments from past NAACP Image Awards. The 42nd NAACP Image Awards will air on March 4, 2011, 8 PM EST on FOX.

Memorable Moments from the NAACP Image Awards
Michael Jackson - 25th NAACP Image Awards(01 of13)
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Michael Jackson is presented with the 'Outstanding Music Video Award' for his racially conscious song, "Black or White". He also received the Entertainer Of The Year Award at the 25th NAACP Image Awards as singer Patti LaBelle (far left) sings Jackson's "Will You Be There". In his acceptance speech, Jackson notes that the NAACP stands for the two things most important in his life: freedom and equality.
Michael Jackson - 26th NAACP Image Awards(02 of13)
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In his first public appearance since 1993 legal controversies, Michael Jackson delivers a heartfelt speech at the 26th NAACP Image Awards about innocence until proven guilty, and the importance of the NAACP in obtaining and upholding justice.
Aaliyah - 33rd NAACP Image Awards(03 of13)
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Songstress Aaliyah is posthumously honored at the 33rd NAACP Image Awards as Outstanding Female Artist. Her posthumous self-titled CD featured the singles "Rock the Boat", "More than a Woman" and "I Care 4 U" and has sold more than 2.6 copies in the United States to date.
Cedric the Entertainer - 34th NAACP Image Awards(04 of13)
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Host Cedric The Entertainer (left) breaks into a dance with the Jackson State University band and dance group at the 34th NAACP Image Awards.
Denzel Washington & Halle Berry - 34th NAACP Image Awards(05 of13)
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Denzel Washington (shown with Halle Berry) receives his fourth straight NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture at the 34th NAACP Image Awards. The actor began his run at the 31st Awards for his role in The Hurricane, and won subsequent awards for Remember the Titans, Training Day and John Q. The acclaimed actor has won the award 10 times in his illustrious career. Meanwhile, Berry received the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture for her role in Die Another Day, a year after her Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture for Swordfish.
Bernie Mac - 34th NAACP Image Awards(06 of13)
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The late actor/comedian Bernie Mac accepts the award for Outstanding Comedy Series for The Bernie Mac Show during the 34th NAACP Image Awards. The show won the award three times from 2003-2005, while Mac won Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series four times for his role on the show, which was loosely based off his life.
Oprah Winfrey - 36th NAACP Image Awards(07 of13)
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Television talk show host/mogul Oprah Winfrey receives an NAACP Image Award Hall of Fame Award at the 36th NAACP Image Awards. She was named NAACP Image Awards "Entertainer of the Year" at the 22nd NAACP Image Awards in 1989.
Jamie Foxx - 36th NAACP Image Awards(08 of13)
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Just a year after inducting Ray Charles (right) into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame, the biopic Ray wins Outstanding Motion Picture at the 36th NAACP Image Awards. Jamie Foxx (left) won Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture for his role as Charles, and Kerry Washington received the Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture nod for her role as Charles' wife.
President Barack Obama - 36th NAACP Image Awards(09 of13)
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Then-Senator Barack Obama receives the NAACP Chairman's Award at the 36th Annual NAACP Image Awards. The Chairman's Award, which was selected by then-NAACP Chairman Julian Bond, is bestowed in recognition of special achievement and distinguished public service.
Carlos Santana - 37th NAACP Image Awards(10 of13)
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Legendary musician Carlos Santana performs at the 37th NAACP Image Awards.
Alicia Keys - 37th NAACP Image Awards(11 of13)
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Alicia Keys receives the first of two Outstanding Female Artist awards, cementing her status as one of the decade's most noteworthy singers.
Bill Cosby - 38th NAACP Image Awards(12 of13)
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Actor/Comedian Bill Cosby is inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame at the 38th NAACP Image Awards.
Tyler Perry - 42nd NAACP Image Awards(13 of13)
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A record 19 NAACP Image Award nominations are linked to the work of filmmaker, actor & producer Tyler Perry at the 42nd NAACP Image Awards. Among the work nominated at this year's installment include the film For Colored Girls and television shows House of Payne and Meet the Browns.

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