The 2023 NAACP Image Awards celebrated lesbians this year, with acting and singing legend Queen Latifah hosting the ceremony, and a standing ovation for Russian detention survivor, and star basketballer, Brittney Griner.
Latifah, who is a four-time NAACP Image Award recipient, opened the awards on February 25 with the powerful number “I’m Gonna Live Til I Die.”
“That’s right. Live, live, live. That’s what we all must do,” Latifah declared following her performance, in a black and white ball gown. “Look at us. I see so many beautiful Black queens and kings.”
Latifah paid special attention to Black women, who she called “superheroes,” naming Regina Hall, Viola Davis, Quinta Brunson, Kerry Washington, Issa Rae, and Serena Williams. She stopped the music to highlight Angela Bassett.
The 52-year-old noted the “ongoing heartbreaking murders” of victims subjected to racially-charged killings. A list of names, including Tyre Nichols, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd, was projected behind her.
In one of her first public appearances since being released from Russian detention and landing back on U.S. soil in December 2022, Brittney Griner and her wife Cherelle were welcomed to the stage with a standing ovation.
“As we gather here tonight in the spirit of overcoming adversity, I want to take this moment to recognize someone who has done just that,” Queen Latifah said. The host continued, saying the two-time Olympian is “back where she belongs.”
The crowd stood to honour the Griners. As they did, Brittney pointed to Cherelle, paying respect to the wife who stood by her side from across the world and worked tirelessly to bring her home.
The WNBA star thanked people for their support during the 10-month detention. “It feels so good to be here, especially with my beautiful, amazing wife and with all of y’all here today. I want to thank everyone,” Griner said.
Then she utilized the platform to communicate a sobering message: “Let’s keep fighting to bring home every American still detained overseas.”
Griner has recently re-signed with the Phoenix Mercury for one year, only three months after being released from Russian prison.
