NAACP Image Awards Experience Part 1

It's the morning after. I wake up to a beautiful L.A. day and memories of the best award show experience I've had to date. My 39th Annual NAACP Image Awards experience was simply wonderful. And though my feet are still swollen from standing all day and dancing all night, I won't complain about a thing.

I missed most of the show, but from the cold, windy red carpet to the cozy backstage I had a great time. The biggest highlight of the day...Drum Roll, Please!...was meeting the legendary Ruby Dee. We're about the same height, but her presence is larger than life to me. Just to have five minutes with her without interruption was simply amazing! But I'm kicking myself now 'cause I didn't have my copy of We Speak Your Name for her to autograph.

After my shy "hello", adoration poured out of me like an open faucet. Happens to the best of us! Yet, Ruby Dee is not a celebrity. She and Ossie represent an institution in culture and history. Ask any living relative of Martin and Malcolm and they'll tell you who was always "backstage" organizing so their parents could lead the movement.

While I talked she graciously listened, smiled, and thanked me. Before she left, we talked briefly about Countdown at Kusini, a film she and Ossie co-produced in the 70s along with Delta Sigma Theta, Incorporated. No, I didn't ask for an interview or a picture. In that moment I stopped being an entertainment reporter/blogger and became merely a woman with a sincere desire to express her respect to a legend that paved the way. "I am somebody because...you share the Somebodiness of me" Ms. Ruby Dee.

Also backstage was the beautiful, tropical Eco Lux Gifting Experience designed by Detra Palmore 's idesigns Events Services. "Going green" was the theme. Celebrity visitors were introduced to environmentally friendly art, organic health and beauty products, organic drinks, jewelry, artificial grass, and furniture. Visit idesigns HERE to see wonderful examples of Palmore's work. Jordin Sparks, India Irie, and Blair Underwood are just a few of the celebs and notables that rolled through.


India Irie


Jordin Sparks


NAACP Chairperson, Clayola Brown


And here are my pictures from the red carpet. Check back soon for interviews with Denzel Whitaker, Taraji P. Henson, Journee Smollett, Rick Fox, and more.

Journee Smollett

Brian White

Denzel Whitaker


Wendy Rachel-Robinson


Loretta Devine

Rockmond Dunbar


Jimmy Jean Louis

Keisha Knight Pulliam


Nicki Micheaux


Rick Fox


Stevie Wonder

And last but not least, HUGE shout out to Mikki Turner and Jocelyn Coleman of Favor PR! THANK Y'ALL!