As a part of their annual awards ceremonies, the NAACP will induct two new members to the NAACP Hall of Fame – Salt-N-Pepa and DJ Spinderella.
The three women – Cheryl “Salt” James, Sandra “Pepa” Denton, and Deidra “DJ Spinderella” Roper – will join fellow Hall of Famers New Edition, Eddie Murphy, Oprah Winfrey, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Spike Lee and Earth, Wind and Fire.
It will be the second Hall of Fame induction for Salt-N-Pepa who were a part of the 2025 class of inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
NAACP president and CEO Derrick Johnson spoke on the women saying, “as pioneers of hip-hop, Salt-N-Pepa and DJ Spinderella rewrote the rules and boldly claimed space in a genre that forever changed because of their voices, style, and undeniable talent. Inducting them into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame is a celebration of more than an iconic career – it’s a tribute to trailblazers who opened doors, and inspired generations in a way that still resonates today.”
The Image Awards Hall of Fame “is presented to individuals or groups who have been pioneers in their respective fields and whose influence continues to shape their industry for generations.”
Connie Orlando, executive VP of specials, music programming & music strategy at BET also spoke on the new inductees saying, “Salt-N-Pepa and DJ Spinderella have built a legacy defined by confidence, authenticity, and cultural influence. They reshaped how women are seen and heard in music, creating space for bold self-expression and empowerment. Inducting them into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame honors a career that continues to strengthen community, elevate culture, and connect generations.”
Other special presentations include:
Colman Domingo receiving the President’s Award Viola Davis will receive the Chairman’s Award
A$AP Rocky will receive the Vanguard Award for fashion
Rev. Dr. Jamal-Harrison Bryant will be presented the Mildred Bond Roxborough Social Justice Impact Award
Deon Cole makes a return to the Image Awards to host the gala event.