the NAACP and BET announced that actress, producer, and best-selling author Gabrielle Union-Wade and three-time NBA Champion entrepreneur and producer, Dwyane Wade will receive the prestigious President's Award during the "54th NAACP Image Awards" airing Saturday, February 25, 2023, at 8:00 PM ET on BET and 8:00 PM PT on delay.

The President's Award is presented in recognition of special achievement and distinguished public service, with previous recipients including Rihanna, LeBron James, Prince Harry & Meghan Markle, Muhammad Ali, Jesse Jackson, Colin Powell, Condoleezza Rice, Shawn "JAY-Z" Carter, Lauryn Hill and Soledad O'Brien, among others.

"We're thrilled to present this award to Gabrielle Union-Wade and Dwyane Wade who together have consistently utilized their platforms to advance social justice and raise awareness to the inequalities existing in our country," said Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP. "We're proud to recognize the couple's tireless humanitarian work as they continue to advocate for equality and acceptance for all."

"Gabrielle Union-Wade and Dwyane Wade are exemplary in their purpose-driven leadership and use of their collective platforms for good," said Scott Mills, President & CEO, BET. "This year's recipients of the NAACP President's Award are not just a timely signifier of the issues that matter most to the community; they are a testament to what is possible when one commits themselves to advancement in those areas. It is a great honor for BET to join the NAACP to amplify these issues and celebrate the leaders doing the work to drive change in our community."

The Wade Family Foundation provides relief to marginalized communities in need, helping to advance racial justice and LGBTQ equality. Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union-Wade have made headlines for their philanthropic efforts to support organizations providing healthcare for the LGBTQ community. The couple has also worked to help raise money for the LGBTQ nonprofit GLSEN, which is dedicated to ending bullying and discrimination in schools. The Wade Family Foundation provides relief to marginalized communities in need, helping to advance racial justice and LGBTQ equality.

Gabrielle has personally, and with the support of her various partnerships, donated to the Van Ness Recovery House, Leap for Ladies, Out Nebraska, Deborah's Place, Harvest House, and Baltimore Safe Haven. In addition to financial contributions, Gabrielle is focused on using her platform as a public figure to bring awareness to the work these organizations and others are doing to support underrepresented communities.

Additionally, her haircare line Flawless has formed the Lift As We Climb initiative: a year-round effort that supports emerging Black-owned small businesses, community organizations, thought leaders, and entrepreneurs. The initiative produces an annual event that provides monetary and mentoring opportunities to companies and organizations.