The NAACP has announced that Jotaka Eaddy, Founder and CEO of #WinWithBlackWomen,

 Jotaka Eaddy Headshot.png (Photo Credit NAACP IMAGE AWARDS)

The NAACP has announced that Jotaka Eaddy, Founder and CEO of #WinWithBlackWomen, will receive the newly renamed Mildred Bond Roxborough Social Justice Impact Award. ESSENCE Communications, Inc. will also be honored with the Vanguard Award for Fashion at the “56th NAACP Image Awards” Creative Honors, which will take place on Friday, February 21, 2025, in Los Angeles.

The renaming of the Social Justice Impact Award pays tribute to civil rights activist Mildred Bond Roxborough, who dedicated over 70 years to the NAACP. As the longest-serving staff member in the organization’s history, Roxborough’s career began in 1954. Throughout her tenure, she worked alongside prominent civil rights figures, including Medgar Evers, Myrlie Evers-Williams, and Thurgood Marshall. Past recipients of the award include Benjamin Crump, Nikole Hannah-Jones, and Stacey Abrams.

“The renaming of the Mildred Bond Roxborough Social Justice Impact 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. “Jotaka Eaddy’s impact exemplifies the enduring power of Black women leading with strength, vision, and purpose. Her advocacy has ignited a movement that equips the Black community, especially women, with the resources and knowledge to thrive.”

Jotaka Eaddy, an award-winning strategist and advocate, has over 20 years of experience in policy, advocacy, and movement building. Eaddy, known as the “Olivia Pope of Silicon Valley” by Forbes, founded #WinWithBlackWomen in 2020, a movement uniting Black women leaders across various industries. Under her leadership, the organization raised more than $2.6 million and mobilized over 100,000 voters during the 2024 presidential election.

The Vanguard Award for Fashion will be presented to ESSENCE Communications, Inc. for its monumental contribution to championing Black women and culture for over 50 years. ESSENCE, a publication that began in 1970, has grown into a movement that redefined beauty, style, and success on its own terms. The company celebrates its 55th anniversary in 2025, continuing to amplify the voices and achievements of Black women through platforms like ESSENCE Fashion House and the Best in Black Fashion Awards.

“ESSENCE has always celebrated the strength and richness of our community,” said Karen Boykin-Towns. “Before inclusivity became a trend, ESSENCE was already championing Black women. We are proud to honor them for their ongoing commitment to amplifying Black voices.”

ESSENCE’s reach extends beyond print to become a driving force in community empowerment, covering topics like career growth, financial literacy, politics, and wellness. Its signature ESSENCE Festival of Culture in New Orleans celebrates Black music, culture, and business while generating over $1B in economic impact over the past three years. ESSENCE has featured iconic Black women such as Michelle Obama, Beyoncé, Serena Williams, and Oprah, recognizing their cultural influence and extraordinary accomplishments.

Public voting for select 56th NAACP Image Awards categories is open until February 7, 2025. The winners will be revealed during the live telecast on February 22 at 8:00 PM ET/PT on BET and CBS. The Creative Honors event will also take place on February 21, and the non-televised categories will be announced virtually on February 18 and 19.

For more information and to cast your vote, visit naacpimageawards.net.

Follow the NAACP Image Awards on Instagram @NAACPImageAwards for updates.