Image Awards
The Image Awards began more than three decades ago, when, on October 22, 1962, the newly organized Beverly Hills/Hollywood branch honored Sammy Davis Jr. for his efforts to obtain fair employment for African-American entertainers. He was also acknowledged for his generous financial assistance which helped establish this new NAACP branch — the first to expressly address racism in the entertainment industry. From that first small awards dinner this event has grown to a nationally broadcast network television event, attended by thousands and honoring the accomplishments of black entertainers and those who have contributed significantly to advancing the image of black Americans in the Arts. 1998 honorees included composer and producer Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, director Stanley Kramer, actor Dijmon Hounsou, actress Vanessa Williams and U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexis Herman.
Peters' contributions to the Image Awards were considerable from the outset. As a volunteer in 1991, Peters produced, with musician Jeffrey Osborne, a music video which successfully promoted memberships and sponsorships at the National NAACP convention in Texas. In recognition of this and other successful projects and events, Peters was appointed as coordinator of the Image Awards. And with her at the helm, the annual event has become the NAACP's top fundraiser.
"Without Ernestine, it would be impossible to be where we are today with the Image Awards," says John Williams, Vice Chairman of the 1998 NAACP Image Awards and trustee of the NAACP special contribution fund. "She has done an exceptional job in coordinating all of the details of the event from the budget to the pre-show, taping of the event, to the after-show event.
"She works around the clock! Sometimes I get a call from her at 6:00 a.m. ... She's always right there. Right on it. You have to be, to get done all that she does. And she uses her resources well."
According to those who serve under her, this is typical of the dedication she brings to all projects. "I became state president under her a year ago," says Ernest L. Johnson, Louisiana NAACP state president, "and I found her always very industrious, very resourceful. In fact, I could not have accomplished what I have were it not for her." He credits her leadership and direction in helping him win the coveted top state level NAACP award for 1997 — the Kelly Alexander Award — only one year after his election as state president.
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