Usher, the renowned singer and entertainer, delivered a heartfelt tribute to the remarkable women in his life during his acceptance speech at the 55th NAACP Image Awards.
Honored with the esteemed President’s Award, Usher took a moment to convey his appreciation to the strong women who have supported and influenced him.
Recognizing the profound impact of both his mother and his wife, Jennifer, Usher attributed much of his success to their unwavering support. He expressed,
“They say behind every strong man is a stronger woman, and for that, I thank my mother and my beautiful wife for holding me down.”
Additionally, he extended his gratitude to his children and his late grandmother, Ernestine Carter, for their enduring love and encouragement.
Fresh from his outstanding performance at the Super Bowl halftime show, Usher underscored the significance of family in his life and dedicated the prestigious award to them.
Reflecting on his upbringing, he underscored his mother’s pivotal role in shaping his sense of purpose, enabling him to leverage his platform to reach global audiences through his music.
Beyond his musical accolades, Usher has actively engaged in philanthropy, notably through initiatives like Project Restart, aiding families affected by Hurricane Katrina, and supporting scholarships for students attending historically Black colleges and universities.
His dedication to social impact led to the establishment of Usher’s New Look, a nonprofit aimed at removing barriers for teenagers pursuing education.
During his speech, Usher stressed the importance of acknowledging and honoring the contributions of women, particularly in industries where they often face marginalization.
He provided personal insights into his journey, recognizing the challenges his mother encountered in supporting his dreams as a young artist.
Despite these hurdles, her steadfast encouragement propelled him toward success.
Concluding his remarks, Usher offered a heartfelt tribute to his mother, Jonnetta Patton, expressing profound appreciation for her resilience and unwavering backing.
He underscored the significance of her unwavering belief in him, particularly in a male-dominated field, as pivotal to his accomplishments.
Usher’s speech served as a poignant reminder of the indispensable role women play in shaping and empowering those around them.
