Today, the NAACP, in partnership with TV One, announced that
GRAMMY award-winning singer and songwriter, NE-YO, will receive the Black & Positively Golden™ Music Honor, sponsored by McDonald’s, at the 50th NAACP Image Awards. This honor recognizes exceptional individuals in entertainment whose work on and
off stage inspires and empowers communities of color. The 50th NAACP Image Awards will air during a LIVE TV special on TV One on Saturday, March 30, 2019 from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, hosted by Anthony Anderson.
This distinguished honor is inspired by McDonald’s new campaign movement, Black & Positively Golden™, designed to uplift communities and inspire excellence. Created to shine a light
on an entertainer who is making a difference in their community, the Black & Positively Golden™ Music Honor, sponsored by McDonald’s, recognizes NE-YO for creating sustainable change as well as being a role model and mentor to the next generation of artists
and storytellers. The honor will be presented at the 50th NAACP Image Awards.
“When we launched the Black & Positively Golden™ campaign, our goal was to not only uplift and inspire, but to shine a light on Black excellence,” said Lizette Williams, Head of Cultural
Engagement & Experiences, McDonald’s USA. “Our focus is on highlighting positive stories of truth, power and pride and NE-YO exemplifies those values. We are thrilled to recognize the iconic entertainer with the first ever Black & Positively Golden™ Music
Honor. His commitment to his community while leveraging his platform makes us proud.”
Multi-talented entertainer, NE-YO, saw immediate success when his first single “So Sick” hit No. 1 on the
Billboard Hot 100 and was certified quadruple Platinum. Since then, NE-YO has racked up a collection of hit singles, including “Sexy Love” and “Closer.” In recognition of his incredible artistry, NE-YO has won three
GRAMMY awards and has illustrated his songwriting prowess by penning hits like Rihanna’s “Unfaithful,” and Beyoncé’s “Irreplaceable.” In 2007, NE-YO founded The Smith Family Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to enhancing the well-being of youth
growing up in foster care and group homes. The Foundation’s goal is to support the futures of young people by helping them to forge healthy relationships, providing access to education and training, teaching entrepreneurial skills and supporting them in their
journey towards realizing their dreams. NE-YO is also a supporter of The Boys and Girls Club of America and Disney’s Dreamers Academy.
Additionally, NE-YO is a
member of the board, focusing on recruitment of minority students for the Holberton School.
As previously announced:
In addition to the traditional awards categories, Congresswoman Maxine Waters will be honored with the prestigious NAACP Chairman’s Award and mass media icon Tom Joyner will receive
the Vanguard Award. Additionally, prior to the live telecast, TV One will also air the 50th NAACP Image Awards Tribute Special, sponsored by Toyota, immediately preceding the show at 8pm/7c. Winners for the 50th NAACP Image Awards will be revealed
during the LIVE TV special airing on TV One on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at 9pm/8c from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.
The 50th NAACP Image Awards production team includes:
Executive Producers Reginald Hudlin and Phil Gurin; Director, Tony McCuin; Co-Executive Producer, Byron Phillips; Producer, Robin Reinhardt; and Executive in Charge of Production, Rachel Frimer.