(Photo Credit: Rosalind O’Connor/NBC)

Celebrating the 51st NAACP Image Awards

The 51st NAACP Image Awards, which honors African-American leaders in culture and entertainment, will honor singer Lizzo and actor Eddie Murphy, among other leading stars.

Forty-two Netflix shows and documentaries are up for nominations, including “When They See Us,” a documentary produced by Ava DuVernay. “When They See Us” explores the ordeal of the Central Park Five, a group of African-American teens who were convicted of raping a white jogger in Central Park in 1989. The men were later exonerated by DNA evidence after spending years in prison.

Other nominees include Angela Bassett, Regina King, and Tyler Perry for Entertainer of the Year. For the first time, the NAACP image awards will also honor an “activist of the year.” The group is calling on the public to submit nominations.

“For the first time, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People will recognize two of its own social justice activists for their work and commitment, and courageous efforts in bringing about political and/or social change during the NAACP Image Awards,” the Image Awards announced on its Web site. “We will honor individuals for the service they do to advance our mission, goals and objectives, improve their community, educate the masses, identify the problems, and lead the revolution to fix it. No matter how small or grand the revolution, the values and commitment of these individuals are essential to elevating legacy and prominence of the mission of the NAACP. These Activists deserve to be celebrated.”