Jotaka Eaddy, founder and CEO of #WinWithBlackWomen, and Essence Communications will receive special honors at the 56th NAACP Image Awards Creative Honors ceremony, held Fri., Feb. 21 in Los Angeles.
Eaddy will receive the Social Justice award, which has been renamed to honor the life and legacy of civil rights activist Mildred Bond Roxborough.
Renaming the award “underscores the profound legacy of a trailblazer whose dedication to justice continues to inspire generations,” said Karen Boykin-Towns, vice chair of the NAACP Board of Directors and chair of the NAACP Image Awards Committee.
Roxborough has worked with the NAACP for over 70 years, making her the organization’s longest-serving staff member. Her career began in 1954 as national staff field secretary and she’s worked alongside prominent civil rights and NAACP leaders, including Medgar Evers, Myrlie Evers-Williams, Vernon Jordan, Judge Constance Baker Motley, and Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall.
About Eaddy, Boykin-Towns added: “Jotaka Eaddy’s impact exemplifies the enduring power of Black women leading with strength, vision, and purpose. Her tireless advocacy has ignited a lasting, generational momentum, equipping the Black community – especially women, with the resources, knowledge, and freedom to thrive. Her unwavering commitment has not only paved pathways for progress but also inspired a movement that continues to transform lives and communities.”
In 2020, Eaddy founded the movement #WinWithBlackWomen, an intersectional group composed of Black women leaders from business, sports, movement, politics, entertainment, and beyond, united in their support of Black women. Most recently,
under her leadership, #WinWithBlackWomen organized virtual meetings, fundraising efforts, and voter mobilization activations during the 2024 presidential election – reaching over 100,000 voters and raising more than $2.6 million. She joins a lineage of social justice award honorees that includes Benjamin Crump, Nikole Hannah-Jones and Stacey Abrams.
Essence Communications will receive the Vanguard Award for fashion, which “pays tribute to changemakers, who are making an undeniable impact on our culture.” Previous honorees include June Ambrose, Bethann Hardison and Ruth E. Carter.
Celebrating its 55th anniversary in in 2025, Essence magazine’s first issue released in 1970 to shine a light on the achievements of Black women and amplify their voices. From its early coverage of the Civil Rights Movement to its cover features with impactful Black women like Michelle Obama, Beyoncé, Serena Williams and Oprah, the company has since blossomed into global brand championing Black women and culture, including fashion and beauty. In addition, the ESSENCE Festival of Culture in New Orleans has become the premiere celebration of Black music, culture and business, attracting entertainers, thought leaders and entrepreneurs, creating economic empowerment of over $1 billion in the past three years alone.
“Before inclusivity became a trend, Essence was already championing the strength of our community, the richness of our culture, and the women who shape it,” said
Boykin-Towns. “We are proud to honor Essence for its ongoing commitment to amplifying Black voices. As a platform where Black women are celebrated, recognized, and elevated, Essence has captured our spirit and paved the way for new opportunities for us all.”
The 56th NAACP Image Awards broadcast will take place on Sat., Feb. 22 live from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium at 8:00 PM ET/PT on BET and CBS. NAACP will also recognize winners in non–televised Image Awards categories virtually on Tues., Feb. 18 and Wed., Feb. 19 on the organization’s YouTube channel and on Fri., Feb. 21 at the Creative Honors ceremony.
