Today, the NAACP announced that  23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williamswill receive the prestigious Jackie Robinson Sports Award during the “54th NAACP Image Awards” airing Saturday, February 25th, 2023 at 8:00 PM ET on BET and 8:00 PM PT on delay.

The Jackie Robinson Sports Award is presented to individuals in sports for their high achievement in athletics in addition to their contributions in the pursuit of social justice, civil rights and community involvement, with previous recipients including Steph Curry, LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Wilma Rudolph and Harlem Globetrotters, among others.

“Serena Williams is the quintessential example of Black excellence,” said NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson. “From her record-breaking wins on the tennis court to her business acumen to her philanthropic endeavors, she has set the bar for athletes everywhere. We are proud to honor and celebrate her with this year’s Jackie Robinson Sports Award.”

Serena Williams has overcome insurmountable odds to win 23 career Grand Slams. Her tennis achievements, combined with her off-court success in business, philanthropy and fashion, make her one of the most recognizable icons in the world. In November 2021, Williams served as an executive producer on the Academy Award®- nominated film KING RICHARD, a biopic based on her family. In March 2022, Serena Ventures launched its venture capital fund and currently maintains a portfolio of over 60 companies with a focus on diverse leadership. Williams’ fashion brand, S by Serena, celebrates body positivity and female empowerment. Williams recently became a published author with the release of her children’s book The Adventures of Qai Qai. In December of 2022 Williams announced that she had teamed up with two CPG veterans to launch Will Perform, a line of clean, cruelty-free topical pain relief and daily muscle care solutions designed to reimagine recovery.

Artist, actress, producer, author, and entrepreneur Queen Latifah will host the “54th NAACP Image Awards” premiering live Saturday, February 25 at 8:00 pm ET/PT on BET. The LIVE show will also simulcast across Paramount Global networks including BET HER, CBS, CMT, Comedy Central, LOGO, MTV, MTV2, Paramount Network, POP TV, Smithsonian, TV Land, and VH1. NAACP will also recognize winners in non-televised Image Awards categories virtually until February 24 on www.naacpimageawards.net and at an Awards Dinner and Program on February 24.

The “54th NAACP Image Awards” is presented by Wells Fargo and sponsored by Bank of America, Gushers, Google, Airbnb, Amazon, FedEx, Lowe’s, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Audible, Bacardi and Mielle.

Globally recognized as one of the most distinguished multicultural awards shows, the “54th NAACP Image Awards” will continue a tradition of excellence, uplifting values that inspire equality, justice, and progressive change, and highlighting artists committed to that purpose.