The Wayans Family Inducted into the NAACP Hall of Fame

The NAACP Image Awards have long been a beacon of recognition for Black talent, creativity, and resilience. One of last night’s biggest highlights was the induction of The Wayans Family into the NAACP Hall of Fame.

The iconic comedic dynasty has been a cornerstone of Black entertainment for over three decades. Their groundbreaking contributions to comedy, television, and film have redefined humor and opened doors for countless Black ( and other) creators in Hollywood.

The induction ceremony was an emotional, hilarious, and nostalgic affair. Damon Wayans took the stage alongside his son Damon Wayans Jr. and other family members, including Kim Wayans, Marlon Wayans, Craig Wayans, Chaunte Wayans, and Damien Wayans – to accept the honor. A montage showcasing the siblings’ journey—from the raw, unapologetic sketches of In Living Color (which launched stars like Jim Carrey and Jamie Foxx) to blockbuster films like Scary Movie, I’m Gonna Git You Sucka, and Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood – played ahead of the family’s acceptance speech.

In that speech, Damon and Marlon reflected on their humble beginnings in New York City’s Fulton Housing Projects, crediting older brother Keenen’s leadership and guidance in steering the family to success. “We didn’t set out to change the game—we just wanted to tell our stories our way,” Damon said, fresh off his win for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series for Poppa’s House.

The Wayans’ impact extends beyond their on-screen work. In Living Color, which aired from 1990 to 1994, was a cultural juggernaut, earning multiple NAACP Image Awards and providing a platform for Black talent when mainstream TV often sidelined them. Their films, many written, directed, and produced by family members, grossed hundreds of millions at the box office, proving Black-led comedies could dominate commercially and critically. Marlon Wayans, known for A Haunted House and White Chicks, called the induction “a love letter to our family and every kid who grew up laughing with us.”

The NAACP Hall of Fame honor places The Wayans Family alongside legends like Oprah Winfrey, Sidney Poitier, and Harry Belafonte, recognizing their role in advancing Black representation. For all attendees and viewers, last night was a reminder of how the Wayans broke barriers while keeping audiences in stitches—a legacy that continues to inspire today’s comedic voices.